CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - UAB (4-7-1) pulled off a stunning upset over #12 North Carolina (7-2-4), securing a 2-1 victory on Wednesday evening at Dorrance Field before a crowd of 2,847. The Blazers earned their first road win against a ranked opponent this season behind Patrik Fagan's two-goal performance.
Nacho Abeal put the Tar Heels ahead in the 9th minute, finishing a well-worked combination between Bertil Rygaard Hansen and Luca Nikolai. UAB responded through Fagan, who equalized in the 42nd minute with a clinical finish from close range. Fagan then completed his brace in the 54th minute, converting a precise cross from Jake Jiwon Han to give the Blazers their winning margin.
The first half saw North Carolina dominate possession and create multiple chances. Abeal's early strike energized the home side, who generated seven shots in the opening 45 minutes. UAB goalkeeper Carson Brice made four crucial saves before halftime, including a spectacular stop on Dan Klink's low drive in the 32nd minute. The Blazers weathered intense pressure but managed to stay competitive through disciplined defensive organization.
UAB emerged from the break with renewed attacking intent, evidenced by Gael Zackrisson's shot just seconds into the second half. The tactical adjustment paid dividends when Fagan netted what proved to be the winner. North Carolina mounted a furious response, with Bertil Rygaard Hansen forcing two saves from Brice in the 61st minute. The match's intensity peaked in the final twenty minutes as the Tar Heels pushed for an equalizer, but UAB's defensive unit, led by Ole Jessen, held firm.
The final statistics reflected North Carolina's territorial advantage, as they outshot UAB 22-10, including an 11-5 edge in shots on target. The Tar Heels also held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. UAB's disciplined defense drew only one yellow card, shown to Humphrey Doh in the 34th minute for persistent infringement.
Carson Brice proved instrumental in UAB's victory, making 10 saves in a masterful performance. For North Carolina, Dan Klink led all players with five shot attempts, while Luca Nikolai created several dangerous opportunities from his midfield position. Fagan's clinical finishing proved the difference, as he converted two of his three shots on target.
UAB's tactical approach centered on absorbing pressure and striking on the counter, a strategy that proved effective against North Carolina's possession-based system. The Blazers' defensive organization, particularly in transition moments, disrupted the Tar Heels' usual flowing attack. North Carolina's high pressing created opportunities but left them vulnerable to UAB's quick transitions.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for UAB, who entered the match having lost 5-0 to Charlotte in their previous outing. For North Carolina, the defeat ends a four-match unbeaten streak and raises questions about their ability to break down organized defenses.
Both teams now look ahead to conference matchups. North Carolina hosts Virginia Tech on October 19, while UAB travels to Florida Atlantic on October 24. The Blazers will aim to build on this signature win, while the Tar Heels must regroup quickly to maintain their position in the national rankings.