Towson Faces North Carolina Friday to Open NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship
Miles McQuiggan
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Nov. 9, 2023) – CAA Women’s Soccer Champion Towson will take on North Carolina to open its first NCAA Tournament appearance on Friday.
Towson (15-2-2) won its first CAA title, 2-1, over Monmouth on Sunday at Tiger Field, sealing the victory on a penalty kick save by CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player
Riley Melendez as time expired.
The Tigers' 15 wins in 2023 are the most in a single season in program history. Towson also claimed its first CAA regular season title and had the top three scorers in the CAA this season. Nia Christopher (Attacker of the Year), Jasmine Hamid (Midfielder of the Year), Riley Melendez (Goalkeeper of the Year) and Coach Vettori (Coach of the Year) all took home major awards from the CAA. Several program records were broken this season including wins in a season (15) and total assists (50) with Nia Christopher breaking the all-time record in goals, points and game-winning goals.
North Carolina comes into the contest at 10-1-8 sporting a 7-1-3 record at home. The Tar Heels fell against Pitt in overtime in the first round of the ACC Tournament last week. UNC has allowed just 14 goals this season and is holding opponents to 6.6 shots per game. The Tar Heels have a balanced attack with four players over double digits in points led by Avery Patterson with eight goals. Ally Sentnor leads the team with four assists adding seven goals for 18 points. Emmie Allen has seen the majority of the time in goal allowing 13 goals (0.78 GAA) with 35 saves (.729 save percentage) and six shutouts.
Friday’s game will begin at 6 p.m. and be available on ESPN+.
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Towson Athletic Communications contributed to this story.