Mizzou Women’s Soccer Coach Stefanie Golan knew her Tigers had a tall task ahead of them with the #1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, and they were met with top-ranked intensity in the first half.
The story of the game was the Tar Heels’ ability to distribute the ball cleanly to their wingers in the attacking third section of the field. They were quicker than the Tigers’ defenders, and in turn zipped balls into the box to the attackers.
Just four minutes in, a UNC winger slipped through the Tiger defense and crossed a ball in to a wide open Avery Patterson, who’s initial shot was amazingly saved by Tiger goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach.