CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– The Alabama soccer team (5-1-0) dropped its first game of the year on Thursday, falling 4-0 to No. 23 North Carolina (5-2-0).

The Tar Heels recorded a brace from Kate Faasse as well as goals from Olivia Thomas and Bella Devey in the match.

From Head Coach Wes Hart 

“We ran into a good team tonight and they showed us why they are the defending national champions. I was pleased with the start of the game, but as the half wore on, they got into a rhythm and we conceded too much territory and possession. At half, we made an adjustment to commit another player higher, which kind of left us a bit more exposed. We will learn from this and get ready to take on another very good opponent on Sunday.” 

How It Happened 

• North Carolina’s Kate Faasse played a ball across the box to Olivia Thomas in the 22^nd minute of action for the opening goal
• Faasse would score the Tar Heels’ second goal in the 47^th minute after Linda Ullmark played a ball through the backline inside the 18-yard box
• After receiving a ball from Ullmark, Lauren Malsom played over the top to Fassee in the 77^th minute for UNC’s third goal
• A deflected shot from distance by Bella Devey found the back of the net in the 84^th minute to conclude the game
• Alabama matched UNC in second-half shots, 7-7, but trailed in the overall effort, 12-9
• The Tide would pace the game in corner kicks, 6-3
• Coralie Lallier tallied two saves in the match as UNC’s Abby Gundry mirrored the stat for the Tar Heels

Next 

• Alabama continues its road stint, heading to No. 3 Duke on Sunday
• The match between the Tide and Blue Devils is set for a 12:30 p.m. CT start on ACC Network