CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Northwestern went toe-to-toe with No. 2 North Carolina on the road Thursday night but a set-piece and a late goal handed the Tar Heels a 2-0 win.
Danika Austin played 90 minutes and matched the physicality of the UNC forwards well. Fellow center back Emma Phillips also played 90 minutes, as did Ella Hase and Regan Steigleder. Josie Aulicino provided another standout midfield performance with her excellent motor, and played 80 minutes.
Senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood made six saves, including numerous fingertip efforts to keep the 'Cats in the game at 1-0.
Olivia Stone had the best chance in the first half and was played through the back line on a great pass form Rowan Lapi. The Tar Heel goalkeeper was playing high off her line and made a crucial save in space to deny the Wildcats from taking a lead.
Northwestern has concluded its four-game road swing to open the season and sits with a 1-3 record.
The 'Cats finally play their home opener on Sunday when they welcome Kent State to Martin Stadium for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff. The match will be streamed live on Big Ten Network+.
Danika Austin played 90 minutes and matched the physicality of the UNC forwards well. Fellow center back Emma Phillips also played 90 minutes, as did Ella Hase and Regan Steigleder. Josie Aulicino provided another standout midfield performance with her excellent motor, and played 80 minutes.
Senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood made six saves, including numerous fingertip efforts to keep the 'Cats in the game at 1-0.
Olivia Stone had the best chance in the first half and was played through the back line on a great pass form Rowan Lapi. The Tar Heel goalkeeper was playing high off her line and made a crucial save in space to deny the Wildcats from taking a lead.
Northwestern has concluded its four-game road swing to open the season and sits with a 1-3 record.
The 'Cats finally play their home opener on Sunday when they welcome Kent State to Martin Stadium for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff. The match will be streamed live on Big Ten Network+.