Boston College Women’s Soccer Prepares for Crucial Match Against UNC
The Boston College women’s soccer team is gearing up to wrap up their three-game road stretch with a high-stakes match against the University of North Carolina (UNC). The game kicks off Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Dorrance Field and will stream live on ACCNX.
Facing UNC is no small task. The Tar Heels, ranked 19th in the United Coaches Poll, just dropped back-to-back games to Florida State University (FSU) and Notre Dame.
Still, UNC managed to notch a conference win this season against Virginia Tech. That result hints at their ability to bounce back, even when things look a little shaky.
Match Preview: Boston College vs. UNC
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The Eagles know what they’re up against. UNC’s reputation speaks for itself, but Boston College has shown flashes of resilience before.
UNC’s Offensive Threat
Olivia Thomas leads UNC with nine goals this season. She’s a real handful for defenders, and the Eagles will need to keep a close eye on her.
Series History: A Tough Rivalry
History hasn’t been especially kind to Boston College in this matchup. The Eagles hold a 1-1-22 record against UNC, with their lone win coming back in 2010—a 3-2 road thriller.
When these teams last met in Chapel Hill in 2022, UNC took a 3-0 win. Their most recent clash in 2023 ended in a 1-1 tie, so maybe the gap is closing, at least a little.
Key Historical Matches
- 2010: Boston College’s only win against UNC, a thrilling 3-2 victory on the road.
- 2022: A tough 0-3 loss in Chapel Hill.
- 2023: A competitive 1-1 tie, indicating a closer contest between the two teams.
Defensive Strength: Olivia Shippee
Junior goalkeeper Olivia Shippee has been a standout for Boston College this year. She just notched her sixth shutout after a tie against California, which speaks volumes about her skills in goal.
Shippee ranks eighth in the nation for save percentage at 0.895 and sits 13th for shutouts with six. That’s impressive by any measure.
Shippee’s Impact
Her steady presence in goal gives Boston College a real shot against tough offenses. Shippee’s knack for coming up big in crucial moments could be a game-changer against UNC.
Game Day Details
You can catch the match live on ACCNX, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Dorrance Field. It’s the last game of Boston College’s road swing, and if they show up strong, who knows—maybe it’ll be the spark they need for the rest of the season.
What to Watch For
- Key Players: Keep an eye on Olivia Thomas for UNC. Olivia Shippee stands out for Boston College.
- Historical Context: Can Boston College secure their second-ever win against UNC?
- Defensive Strategy: Will Boston College’s defense manage UNC’s offensive threats?
Boston College’s women’s soccer team is gearing up for a tough match. Fans and analysts are curious to see how they’ll handle UNC, a team that’s usually dominant.
Olivia Shippee anchors the Eagles’ defense. With her on the field, Boston College might just pull off something big.
Want more info or live updates? Head over to the official Boston College Athletics website.