Nov. 28, 2003
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Santa Clara University women's soccer team ended its season this evening with a 3-0 loss to top-seeded and undefeated North Carolina in an NCAA Quarterfinal match at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina stopped SCU's 14-match unbeaten streak and ended the Broncos' season at 14-4-6. Santa Clara, ranked third in the country but seeded ninth in this year's Tournament, was participating in its 15th straight Championship and attempting to advance to the program's 10th College Cup. Santa Clara is the 2001 National Champions and 2002 College Cup finalists.
North Carolina improves to 25-0-0 and becomes the first team to score two first-half goals on the Broncos since last season at Cal, a string of 45 matches. Additionally, the Tar Heels end a three-match losing streak to Santa Clara, and improve their mark in the all-time series to 14-3-0 and 5-2 in the NCAA Championship.
North Carolina out-shot SCU 14-5 on the night, and first struck in the 31st minute. Tar Heel Lindsay Tarpley stole the ball from Bronco defender Chardonnay Poole deep in the attacking zone, and then launched a cross from the touchline. Heather O'Reilly was on the far side and headed the attempt in for the lead.
The Tar Heels moved ahead 2-0 just before intermission. A tackle by Bronco Leslie Osborne was whistled for a foul just outside the box, setting up the UNC restart by Anne Felts, whose serve found Catherine Reddick's head to extend the lead.
Santa Clara was led by freshman Tina Estrada and junior Megan Kakadelas, who each posted two shots. Junior Lana Bowen had the Broncos' other attempt. Defensively, Bronco Julie Ryder posted three second-half saves, including a penalty kick attempt in the 82nd minute by Alyssa Ramsey.
The Tar Heels remained the aggressors in the second half, out-shooting Santa Clara 8-2 in the period, while also being called for nine offsides. They added their third goal in the 81st minute, when Tarpley scored off a pass from Ramsey.
North Carolina has participated in all 22 NCAA Tournaments, and has won 16 championships, while appearing in three other finals. The Tar Heels are now 78-5 all-time in the Tournament, and have reached the College Cup semifinals every season. Additionally, UNC is 56-1 in NCAA Championship matches played in Chapel Hill.