Sergio Guerra, Sports Editor 

The highly anticipated soccer match between our UNCG Spartans and UNC Charlotte’s 49ers ended in a 0-0 draw as 878 fans cheered. 

The match began fairly even, neither side giving up much ground. Towards the end of the first half, it was UNC Charlotte who dominated possession of the ball. When the ball ended up in the back of UNCG’s net in the 42^nd minute, UNCC thought they had a strong command of the game. However, the referee’s assistant quickly raised his flag, calling offside, and the goal did not stand. The first half ended with 13 total shots on goal between the two teams, only three of which required saves from the keepers. Two of those three were from UNCG’s shots. 

UNCG came out after the break very resilient to Charlotte, who seemed to be the side with more of an attacking threat going forward. In the second half alone, UNCC had 10 shots, and UNCG had only one. There were moments on the counterattack where UNCG looked dangerous, but we were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. 

It was a very physical game for these two teams, with the match ending with 22 total fouls. Charlotte did not have the greatest discipline during the game, amassing 15 of the total fouls and being dealt a yellow card in the 56^th minute due to a high sliding challenge by Orthodoxos Orthodoxou. 

Goalkeeper Seth Wilson will be proud of his performance for our UNCG Spartans, having denied Charlotte the four times that he was called upon. Meanwhile, Enzo Dovlo was one of our more dangerous players. He was able to generate 3 shots with 1 shot on target. 

Overall, an entertaining, physical, and even game ends in a deserved draw for UNCG. Our men’s team will be back home on Sept. 24 for a clash with High Point. Before that, they must face a stern away test on Sept. 17 versus number 1 ranked West Virginia.