No. 4 Virginia will take on No. 2 North Carolina Friday in one of the most anticipated matchups of the year in Chapel Hill, N.C. As the end of the regular season approaches, both teams are gearing up for a high-stakes match that could have major implications for conference standings and seedings for the ACC Tournament. With a win, the Cavaliers would pass the Tar Heels in the conference standings and claim the top spot in the ACC. The stakes are obviously high and pulling off the win will not be easy, but a victory could be the crown jewel of Coach Ole Keusgen’s inaugural season as the leader of this program.
Virginia and North Carolina have met 42 times, and the Cavaliers have come out on top in just seven of those matches. However, Virginia is slowly turning the tide. The Cavaliers won the regular season matchup in 2023, their first victory over the Tar Heels since 2014. Unfortunately, North Carolina got revenge and beat Virginia in the semifinals of both the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament, but with this 2024 season a new opportunity arises and the Cavaliers look ready.
Virginia is coming off of two commanding home wins last weekend against No. 11 Syracuse and Miami (Ohio). At the forefront of those wins, sophomore midfielder Mia Abello has been utterly dominant. She shot the winning shootout point versus the Orange Friday and scored the Cavaliers' only goal Sunday against the RedHawks. Virginia will need Abello to continue her strong play to have a chance at toppling the Tar Heels.
Over on the other side of the field, senior goalkeeper Tyler Kennedy has been a rock for Virginia — her quick reflexes and ability to handle high-pressure situations have shone through as essential for the Cavaliers’ success.
The Tar Heels will be Kennedy’s and Virginia’s biggest challenge yet though. North Carolina is one of just two undefeated Division I teams. With their extensive history of success, including five national championships in the last six years and winning the last seven ACC Championships, the Tar Heels have a deep and experienced roster. Their fast-paced, aggressive style of play has overwhelmed opponents all season, and they will absolutely be looking to keep that going Friday.
Sophomore forward Charly Bruder is at the forefront for North Carolina — a seemingly unbeatable force. Bruder has made 17 goals and 42 shots on goal in her 2024 season — six of those shots on goal came in her most recent game.
Limiting Bruder and the prolific Tar Heel offense will be the top priority for Keusgen and company. If they can do just that, then Virginia’s playmakers like Abello will have ample opportunities to steal a season-changing win. Even with the momentous matchup at hand, the Cavaliers will have eyes on the postseason — Friday's matchup is Virginia’s penultimate regular season contest, and the ACC Tournament begins Nov. 5. The climax of the 2024 season is arriving, and with it comes a must-watch contest.
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