Nov. 14, 2007

Box Score

CARY, N.C. - Junior Michael Callahan scored in the 13th minute and North Carolina's defense limited No. 20 Duke to just six shots Wednesday in a 1-0 Tar Heel victory in Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinal action at SAS Soccer Complex. With the win the Carolina (7-7-5) advances to face the Wake Forest-Clemson winner in Friday's semifinals at 8 p.m.

The victory also assures UNC of retaining the men's soccer Carlyle Cup point. The Tar Heels, who also defeated Duke 1-0 on Oct. 11, lead the all-sport competition between the two rivals, 6-1.5. Carolina last posted two wins over the Blue Devils in the same season in 1993.

As usual in men's soccer action between Carolina and the Blue Devils (11-7-1), defense ruled the day. The teams combined for only 13 shots, just three of which were put on goal. Thirty-two fouls were also whistled in the match. Freshman goalkeeper Tyler Deric earned his sixth shutout and the seventh of the season for Carolina. He was forced to make just one save on the night.

"It was a great game for us today, said 19th-year head coach Elmar Bolowich. "The boys came prepared - played well, played together, played hard. I think we deserved to win this game. Duke made it interesting at the end when they risked a lot and threw players forward. On the other hand, it opened us for good counter opportunities. It could have gone 2-0 for us, and they had a couple of opportunities as well. As usual it was an exciting Duke-Carolina match-up. I'm just glad for our team and program that we came out on top and hopefully we can take care of business on Friday as well."

Scoring chances were few and far between in the first half with just four combined shots, but Carolina made the most of its opportunities and took a 1-0 lead on Callahan's goal at 12:16.

The Cary native netted his second score of the season when he one-timed a cross from junior Scott Campbell into the lower left side of the net and past Duke keeper Brendan Fitzgerald. Sophomore Bill Dworsky set the play up from the left flank when he sent a through ball to Campbell on the right. He dribbled into the box and fed a streaking Callahan for the tap-in goal.

"I played the ball into Bill. Bill played a great through ball to Scott, and I just kept running," said Callahan. "Scott played a really nice ball across and I was able just to put it in. It was a great team goal."

Campbell's assist was his fourth of the season, while Dworsky picked up his fifth assist to match Callahan for the team lead. Dworsky also has team-best 17 points, and Callahan moved into second with nine points on the year.

The Tar Heels had a second goal called off late in the first half when Brian Shriver was called offsides after depositing a pass from Cameron Brown in the net.

Action picked up early in the second period, with Dworsky missing on a header off a Callahan cross and Campbell firing high on a deflected loose ball from 20 yards. The Tar Heels also just missed on a golden opportunity in the 80th minute when Brown fired wide left on a breakaway.

Duke followed two chances in the final three minutes as Mike Grella sent a free kick wide from 23 yards in the 88th minute, and Paul Dudley followed with a diving header that just missed the post with just 18 second remaining in regulation.

Wednesday's win keeps alive the Tar Heels' hopes for NCAA Tournament consideration. Carolina has made eight consecutive postseason appearances dating to 1999.

"(This tournament) is the vehicle to the NCAA Tournament for us," said Callahan. "Tonight was a must win. Friday is a must win. And obviously we always want to win the ACC Championship. It's a huge deal."