UNC men’s soccer squad earns first-round bye in NCAA Tourney, will host Sunday

UNC made a run to the finals of the 2023 ACC Men’s Soccer Tournament, which netted them a high seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

The UNC men’s soccer team finished fourth in the ACC’s Coastal Division this year, but an impressive run through the ACC Tournament gained it a strong seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

Carolina beat Virginia Tech (4-1), ACC Atlantic Division winner Wake Forest (1-0) and 2022 National Champion Syracuse (3-1) en route to the ACC Championship. The Tar Heels tied Clemson through three overtimes, but lost 5-3 in penalty kicks.

That run was good enough to land UNC the third overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, which begins Friday with first-round games.

Carolina will play the winner of Memphis-SIU Edwardsville on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.

There’s a lot to be excited about as UNC prepares for a run at its third national title, with the last one coming in 2011.

Carolina is led offensively by double-digit goal scorer Quenzi Huerman (10) and Martin Vician (7), who combine for 57 percent of the goals.

Despite the offensive firepower, UNC’s foundation is on defense. Goalkeepers Andrew Cordes (13 starts), Quinn Closson and Collin Travasos (six combined) have limited Tar Heel opponents to just 12 goals, which is tied for fourth-best in the country.

Just how far will Carolina go this year? Watch Sunday’s opener on ESPN+, or buy tickets here.

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