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Bermudian forward Jace Donawa proved to be the match-winner as the University of North Carolina men’s soccer team kickstarted their pre-season campaign with a thrilling 5-4 exhibition victory over Liberty at Dorrance Field.
In an end-to-end, high-scoring contest at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium, the Tar Heels showed plenty of attacking sharpness to edge past a resolute Liberty side.
UNC established their dominance through open-play strikes from Ryan Zellefrow, Bertil Rygaard Hansen, and Jonathan Luna Sabando, alongside a calmly converted penalty.
However, it was Donawa who provided the defining moment of the match in the 75th minute. With the tie finely balanced, the Bermudian unleashed a thunderous, long-range screamer that proved too hot for the Liberty goalkeeper to handle, deflecting off the keeper's hands and nestling into the back of the net to make it 5-3.
That moment of brilliance proved decisive, as Liberty struck late to reduce the deficit, but UNC held firm to secure the victory in their season opener.
The result gives North Carolina an encouraging foundation to build upon as their pre-season preparations gather pace, with Donawa making an immediate statement ahead of the competitive campaign.
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