CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – An improbable first-half goal and a converted penalty-kick following the intermission allowed No. 5 North Carolina a decisive 3-0 victory over Santa Clara Sunday night at Fetzer Field.

Santa Clara (0-2) dropped a 1-0 decision to Wake Forest Friday, leaving the Broncos winless during its two-game road swing against perennial ACC powers.

With the match scoreless, a chaotic final few seconds of the first half saw UNC's Zach Wright head-in a desperation corner-kick with 0:00 showing on the clock.  The goal was allowed, leaving SCU stunned and UNC celebrating heading into halftime.

Raby George's PK provided the Tar Heels with a two-goal edge in the 53^rd minute. That, coupled with a subsequent red card stemming from a hard tackle by SCU's Benjamin Kucera was too much for the Broncos to overcome.

Using the man-advantage, freshman Andy Lopez added a third UNC goal at the 74-minute mark.

North Carolina (2-0) defeated FIU 1-0 in its season-opener. The Tar Heels are picked to finish second in their ACC divisional race behind reigning national champion Virginia.  UNC was 15-5-2 a year ago and 8-2-1 at home.

SCU hit the post twice Sunday night– making it three times in two games the Broncos came inches away from scoring. Max Ornstil deflected a shot off the left post in the first half and Satoshi "Yoshi" Chaffin bended-one off the far post midway through the second.

UNC generated five shots to SCU's one in the first 25 minutes, controlling possession and the overall number of chances throughout the first half – and the match. UNC out-shot SCU 18-8 and held a 12-2 edge in corners.

The Broncos play their home-opener this weekend at Stevens Stadium. SCU faces Wisconsin Friday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Cal State Fullerton Sunday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m.