CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina survived a penalty shootout thriller Thursday, defeating North Florida 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in NCAA Division I tournament action before 1,029 spectators.
North Florida struck first when Luc Granitur scored in the 41st minute off a Rafa Rios assist, giving the Ospreys (12-5-2) a halftime lead. Jack Sandmeyer equalized for the Tar Heels in the 69th minute, but Granitur restored North Florida's advantage with his second goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Mark Romano and Rios.
Dan Klink answered immediately for North Carolina in the 87th minute, assisted by Luca Nikolai and Charlie Antonelius, sending the match to overtime at 2-2. Neither team could break the deadlock through two extra periods, forcing the penalty shootout.
North Carolina dominated possession, outshooting North Florida 20-6 and earning nine corner kicks to the Ospreys' two. However, North Florida's goalkeeper made four crucial saves to keep the visitors competitive throughout regulation and overtime.
The Tar Heels advance to face Maryland on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the next round of the NCAA Championship.