UNC men’s soccer defeated struggling Virginia Tech, 2-0, in Friday night’s matchup.

The North Carolina men’s soccer team (5-3-2, 2-2-1 ACC) defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-9-1, 0-5 ACC), 2-0, on Friday night at Dorns Field.

what happened?

North Carolina quickly stole the ball from the Hokies and worked the ball into the offensive end. Junior striker Ernest Bawa’s curling cross found Akeem Clarke at the left post, but the junior striker’s point-blank header cleared the mark.

Virginia Tech responds to North Carolina’s push by securing the first corner kick of the night. In the 16th minute, the Hokies got back-to-back set pieces — the latter of which was saved by redshirt freshman goaltender Andrew Cordes.

A minute later, Virginia Tech looked to break the deadlock with a first down. Sophomore midfielder Declan Quill sent a blistering boot into the goal box, but the shot was honored by Cordes.

Midway through the first half, the Tar Heels had their second turnover of the night. One of North Carolina’s fresh faces was redshirt junior forward Key White, who instantly made his mark on the offense.

In the 23rd minute, fifth-year midfielder Milo Garvanian scored a key UNC offensive third. White controlled Garvanina’s low dribble pass and fired a shot between the legs of Hokies goaltender Ben Martino to put the Tar Heels on the board.

White scored the lone goal of the first half and the Tar Heels led 1-0 at halftime.

Off the break, North Carolina’s offense looks to build its lead. With a few minutes left in the second period, Clark switched hockey defenses and got a pass through the Virginia Tech defense, but the junior forward’s shot was saved by Martino.

Despite the rejection, UNC’s offense stood. In the 67th minute, Martino took the ball off Garvana’s line and went into the net to score the Tar Heels’ second goal.

The fifth-year midfielder’s fourth goal won the game for North Carolina as UNC beat the Hokies 2-0.

Who stood out?

White’s speed was on full display against the Hokies. Coming into Friday night’s scrimmage, the redshirt junior had only found the back of the net once — against Air Force in the Tar Heels’ season-opener. But White’s first goal of the night was a quick move that helped him get past the Virginia Tech defender.

Throughout the year, the Tar Heel defense, and back line, is the driving force for North Carolina. Defenseman Matt Edwards shined against the Hokies. The sophomore left back contributed to the offense by denying several Virginia Tech crosses, blasting a shot on goal in the second half.

When was it decided?

In the first half, both teams exchanged chances, but neither team could capitalize on them. White’s goal, made by head coach Carlos Somonao at the time, gave the Tar Heels a one-goal lead.

UNC continued to find holes in the hockey defense and Garvania’s goal from outside the box helped North Carolina secure the victory.

Why is it useful?

The Tar Heels’ offensive struggles have been on full display this season. Entering the tournament against the Hokies, UNC had failed to score in four of its last six contests.

But White tied the game in the first half, securing the Tar Heels’ conference win of the season — and perhaps more importantly — a scorer. Garvanian and White both scored goals and currently sit as North Carolina’s first and second leading scorers on the year.

When are you playing next?

The Tar Heels return to Dorrance Field on Tuesday to battle the VCU Rams. The midweek tilt is set to begin at 7 p.m.

@evanr0gers

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