Second-Half Surge Lifts Tar Heels Over Panthers, 4-1

Sunday, August 31

Chapel Hill, N.C.

12 p.m.

North Carolina

4-2-0, 0-0-0

Milwaukee

1-4-1, 0-0-0

Milwaukee

North Carolina

August 31, 2025 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina women's soccer (4-2, 0-0 ACC) capitalized on a second-half surge to race past Milwaukee (1-4-1, 0-0 Horizon), 4-1, Sunday afternoon.

The Tar Heel victory was headlined by a brace from Olivia Thomas and the return of Tessa Dellarose. After nine weeks out due to injury, Dellarose took the field for Carolina. The captain's play and leadership helped the team to their third-straight win.

How It Happened
The Tar Heels were off to a quick start, taking a 1-0 lead in just the 7th minute. Eden Bretzer sprinted down the left side of the field and played a cross into the 18-yard box. Olivia Thomas cleverly kicked the ball around her defender and used her second touch to slot the ball in the back of the net.

Milwaukee equalized in the 21st minute off a goal by Mallory McGuire. The game remained tied at one all going into the half.

The Tar Heels later broke the tie with a goal by Bella Devey in the 53^rd minute. Devey did the work herself, receiving the ball just past half field and slicing through the Panther defense before tucking the ball away in the top left corner of the goal.

Carolina was able to find another break in the 78th minute. Aven Alvarez rocketed a shot from just outside the 18-yard box. Although initially saved, Olivia Thomas was perfectly placed to clean up and put the Tar Heels ahead 3-1.

In the 86th minute, the offense was back on the board for another insurance goal. Linda Ullmark delivered a beautiful pass meeting Kate Faasse running free. With one touch, Faasse chipped the ball over the Panther goalie and into the back of the net to give the Tar Heels their fourth goal of the day.

Goalkeeper Hannah Johann held strong in net during the second half, keeping Milwaukee off the board resulting in a 4-1 win for UNC.

Quick Stats

The Tar Heel defense held Milwaukee to just three total shots with two on goal.
Carolina took 24 total shots with 12 in each half. UNC placed 12 shots on goal.
Olivia Thomas led the Tar Heels with nine shots and two goals for her first brace of the season.
Hannah Johann picked up her first win of the season as goalkeeper.
Tessa Dellarose logged 30 minutes in her season debut after returning from injury.