University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
North Carolina
Men's Soccer Falls in Overtime to #3 North Carolina, 2-1
10.04.2011 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Rob Lovejoy sent a shot off the left post and into the side netting four minutes into overtime Tuesday night to propel No. 3 North Carolina (9-1-1) past UNC Asheville (2-6-2), 2-1.
The overtime match was Asheville's third straight as the Bulldogs came close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season.
The Tar Heels spotted the Bulldogs a goal 11 minutes into the second half when UNC Asheville's Bryan Bartels let a shot go from more than 35 yards out in the 57th minute.
Bartels sent a dipping shot to the left of goalkeeper Scott Goodwin who attempted to tip the ball away but was unable to reach the shot as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 1-0 lead on just their fourth shot of the night. It was Bartels third goal of the season.
Asheville packed in the defense throughout the night forcing the Tar Heels to bring the action to them and Carolina did just that rattling off a season-high 35 shots on the night, including 17 on frame.
The Tar Heels finally broke through on the scoresheet in the 75th minute when leading scorer Billy Schuler added to his total, picking up his eighth of the year.
Kirk Urso sent in a corner from the left corner flag that UNC Asheville goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen attempted to punch out of the box.
Hurskainen's punch was collected by Schuler at the top of the box who quickly fired the ball on goal and beat the Bulldogs top left to even the score at 1-1.
The Tar Heels had several other opportunities throughout the contest but Hurskainen was equal to the task making numerous saves to keep the UNC offense in check.
The senior goalkeeper, who was named Big South Defender of the Week earlier in the day, was brilliant in defeat. He made a career-best 15 saves.
Following another Kirk Urso corner the Tar Heels quickly gained possession and sent another cross into the box looking for the game winner.
Josh Rice found the ball at his feet but Hurskainen was there to make the save. Hurskainen was unable to corral the rebound giving the Tar Heels an opportunity to jump on it.
Sophomore Rob Lovejoy jumped on the rebound and hammered a shot on frame that deflected off the left post and made an immediate right turn making its way into the side netting on the right side of the goal.
Asheville is off until Saturday afternoon when the Bulldogs return home to face Big South foe High Point at 2 p.m.
