No. 12 UNC Dominates Rice 4-0 in Season Opener Tar Heels overwhelm Owls with clinical finishing and defensive control in Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL, NC – The 12th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels made an emphatic statement in their 2025 season opener, dismantling Rice University 4-0 on Sunday at Dorrance Field. The Tar Heels showcased the depth and quality that earned them their preseason ranking, controlling possession and creating chances at will against an overmatched Rice side.
UNC's dominance was evident from the opening whistle, as they peppered the Rice goal with 23 shots compared to just three for the visitors. The statistical disparity told the story of a match that was effectively decided in the first half, though the Tar Heels' clinical edge in front of goal truly separated the sides.
Olivia Thomas opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a perfectly placed right-footed effort into the bottom left corner, capping off an early period of sustained pressure. The forward's goal came unassisted, demonstrating the individual quality that makes UNC such a dangerous proposition this season. Thomas wasn't content with just one goal, registering six shots throughout the match – the most of any player on the pitch.
The Tar Heels' tactical superiority was evident in their patient build-up play and ability to create chances from multiple areas of the field. Kate Faasse proved particularly influential, attempting five shots while playing the full 90 minutes. Her work rate and positioning caused constant problems for a Rice defense that struggled to cope with UNC's movement and pace.
Rice's best opportunity came in the 40th minute when Allie Love managed a shot that sailed high over the crossbar, but even their limited attacking moments highlighted the gulf in class between the sides. The Owls managed just one shot on target throughout the entire match, with goalkeeper Kirsten Ruf making two saves in the first half before being replaced by Kenzie Solomon at the break.
The second half saw UNC extend their advantage with ruthless efficiency. Linda Ullmark doubled the lead in the 64th minute, finding the bottom right corner with her right foot after a period of sustained pressure. The goal came just moments after Solomon had made a crucial save, but the Rice goalkeeper couldn't prevent the inevitable.
Eres Freifeld completed the rout in the 75th minute, also finding the bottom left corner to cap off a dominant team performance. The forward's clinical finish demonstrated the depth of attacking talent at UNC's disposal, with multiple players capable of providing the cutting edge in the final third.
Rice's tactical approach centered around damage limitation, with head coach making numerous substitutions throughout the match in an attempt to stem the tide. The Owls used 25 players compared to UNC's 19, highlighting their search for a combination that could compete with the ranked opposition.
The Tar Heels' corner kick advantage (5-3) and superior shot accuracy (6 shots on target from 23 attempts) illustrated their tactical superiority and clinical finishing. Their ability to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes, even with extensive rotation in the second half, bodes well for a season where depth will prove crucial.
For Rice, the defeat serves as a harsh introduction to the level required to compete against ranked opposition. The Owls will need to regroup quickly and focus on their defensive organization if they hope to find success in their upcoming fixtures.
UNC's comprehensive victory sends an early message to the rest of the division about their championship credentials, with their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity suggesting they're well-equipped for another successful campaign.
Key Players
- Olivia Thomas (UNC) - Opened the scoring with a clinical 10th-minute finish and led all players with 6 shots, constantly troubling the Rice defense
- Linda Ullmark (UNC) - Provided the crucial second goal in the 64th minute and maintained excellent positioning throughout her 75-minute performance
- Kate Faasse (UNC) - Played the full 90 minutes and registered 5 shots, demonstrating the work rate and quality that anchored UNC's midfield dominance