Box Score I Video Highlights I Photos

PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland junior midfielder Ellen Parker scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the fifth minute as the Pilots opened the 2012 season by shutting out the No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels 1-0 on a festive evening at Merlo Field on Friday night. It’s UP’s first ever win over the Tar Heels, who have won 20 national titles.
 
Portland’s (1-0) first scoring chance came early as the Tar Heels (0-1) were whistled for a foul just to the right of the 18-yard box barely four minutes in. Junior Amanda Frisbie stepped up to take the ensuing free kick and drove a low cross to the center of the box. That’s where Parker somehow redirected the ball into the right side of the net to hand the Pilots the one-goal advantage.
 
The Pilots would attempt only one more shot the rest of the half as the Tar Heels countered with 10 first-half strikes. A majority of the attempts, however, came from outside the 18-yard box. UNC did nearly tie the score in the 10th minute, but Parker was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the goal line.
 
The Tar Heels continued to look for the equalizer in the second half, but they were repeatedly denied by UP goalkeeper Erin Dees, who made four saves. Summer Green did have a shot hit the outside of the left post in the 69th minute, but much like the first half most of UNC’s attempts came from 20 yards or farther.
 
Portland did have a couple of golden opportunities in the 72nd minute when Capelle and Parker both had shots from point blank range. Capelle’s header hit the crossbar, and North Carolina goalkeeper Adelaide Gay made a leaping, one-handed save on Parker’s attempt on the rebound.
 
Gay also made a pair of saves on shots from Lorielle McCluskie and Frisbie in the 81st and 83rd minutes, respectively.
 
North Carolina then desperately tried to find the equalizer in the closing minutes, but Green’s final attempt was well high of the crossbar with three minutes to play as the Pilots would hold on for the shutout.
 
UNC finished with a 20-7 advantage in shots, while claiming only a slight 5-4 edge in shots on-goal. The Tar Heels had seven corners to Portland’s two, and Gay finished with three stops.
 
Portland was 0-7-1 all-time against the Tar Heels entering the match.
 
A crowd of 4,014 fans were on hand to watch the season opener, and to honor some of Portland’s Olympians. Canadian National Team members and UP alums Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt signed autographs for fans before the game, and the University honored the pair at halftime. Sinclair and Schmidt recently returned from the 2012 London Olympics where they helped Canada claim the bronze medal.
 
The Pilots also honored previous Olympians and alums Tiffeny Milbrett and Stephanie Cox.
 
Portland next sets its sights on Oregon State, who visit Merlo Field for a non-conference game on Monday night. Kickoff between the Pilots and Beavers is set for 7 p.m.