UNC Women’s Soccer Falls Short Against No. 14 Duke: Match Highlights and Insights

DURHAM, N.C. – In a thrilling match, No. 19 North Carolina women’s soccer faced No. 14 Duke and lost 3-2 at Freeman Field on Sunday. This was their first matchup since the 2024 College Cup.

Both teams started off strong but couldn’t score in the first half. The defense from each side held firm, and the first 45 minutes ended 0-0.

Things changed quickly in the second half. Just three minutes in, Carina Lageyre of Duke found the net, putting the Blue Devils ahead. They scored again in the 52nd minute, extending their lead to 2-0.

North Carolina struggled to mount an offense while Duke maintained a fast pace. In the 74th minute, Duke scored again, making it 3-0. Despite a late goal by Eres Freifeld and an own goal from Duke, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. The match ended with a score of 3-2 in favor of Duke.

Quick Stats

• The Tar Heels had eight shots, with four on target.
• Six UNC players played the full 90 minutes.
• Freifeld scored her third career goal, marking her first since August 24 against Rice.
• Bella Devey and Kate Faasse both provided assists on Carolina’s goal; this was Devey’s first assist of the season and Faasse’s third.

Next, the Tar Heels will head to Texas to play SMU, their first meeting since 2006. UNC leads the all-time series with a perfect 10-0 record against the Mustangs. They will face off on Friday, October 17, at 6 p.m. ET on ACCNX.

For more updates, you can follow UNC women’s soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

This match highlights a competitive season for both teams in the ACC. Interestingly, a recent survey showed that college soccer viewership among fans has surged by 25% compared to last year, showcasing the growing interest in women’s sports. The excitement surrounding these games not only reflects increased participation but also suggests that more fans are engaging with women’s soccer, paving the way for its future growth.

In this highly competitive environment, every game counts, and the Tar Heels will surely be looking to bounce back in their next encounter.

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