Raposo's Hat Trick Leads Orange by #18 UNC

Saturday, October 12

Chapel Hill, NC

1 PM

Syracuse University

4-3-4, 1-2-2

North Carolina

7-3-2-, 3-2-0

UNC

The Orange celebrate the go-ahead goal at North Carolina.

10/12/2019 4:43:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Syracuse scored three times in the final 20 minutes to erase a two-goal deficit and upset No. 18 North Carolina, 4-3, in men's soccer action in Chapel Hill on Saturday. Sophomore Ryan Raposo scored a career-high three goals, including the game winner with 2:58 remaining in regulation.

"We've been saying that goals change matches and, thankfully, today we found a way to score some goals," Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre said. "The reaction of our guys in the second half on a hot afternoon was terrific. They ready dug deep for this one. It's tough to win in this conference and it's especially tough to win on the road. I'm so happy for the guys and really proud of this team."

HOW IT HAPPENED
The game-winning goal was set up by sophomore Hilli Goldhar, who intercepted a North Carolina pass and brought the ball into the Orange's offensive zone on the left side. He sent a cross to Raposo on the right side of the box, who put his shot past Tar Heels' goalkeeper Alec Smir to give Syracuse a 4-3 lead.

It was the 'Cuse's first lead since early in the match after Raposo scored 42 seconds in off an assist from senior Massimo Ferrin. The Tar Heels (7-3-2, 3-2-0) answered in the 15th minute and then took the lead on Jonathan Jimenez's goal in the 33rd minute. North Carolina extended its lead to 3-1 off a penalty kick in the 57th minute.

Raposo started Syracuse's comeback in the 71st minute after he took a long pass over the top from senior Nyal Higgins, beat his defender and put his shot in the back of the net. Syracuse (4-3-4, 1-2-2) evened the score when junior Sondre Norheim scored on a header off a free kick from Ferrin in the 74th minute.

The match appeared to be headed for overtime, which the Orange have played in five matches this season, before Raposo's third goal of the day, which gave Syracuse its first ACC victory of the season.

OF NOTE
Raposo's hat trick marked the 33rd time a player has scored three goals in a match in program history. He leads the team with seven goals and 17 points, which are both career highs.

UP NEXT
Syracuse returns to the SU Soccer Stadium to host Connecticut on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. The Orange will celebrate "Pink Day" and all fans are encouraged to wear pink. Tiana Mangakahia, a member of the women's basketball team, will participate in the pregame coin toss. The match will be streamed by ACC Network Extra. Admission and parking are free.