UNC takes down scrappy Robert Morris 14-11

When I wrote my ACC attackmen preview the other day, I wasnt quite ready to put freshman phenom Nicky Galasso on the list just yet. We all know he has the talent and potential to be one of the best attackmen in the country, but I wanted to see how he did in real, live game action.

Galasso went on to lead the Tar Heels with four goals and one assist on Saturday as the Heels beat the Colonials 14-11. Galasso went on to score on his first three career shots on Satuday.

But Galasso's goal with 2:45 remaining was the biggest of his short career as it turned away the Colonials' attempt to tie the game up. The Colonials cut the lead to one with just over six minutes to go but goals by Galasso and fellow Mark McNeil shut down the Robert Morris rally.

Galasso finished up with five points for UNC as he had four goals and an assist. Billy Bitter had three goals and an assist and Marcus Holman added three goals. McNeill added two goals and an assist while junior Thomas Wood had a goal and three assists and Jimmy Dunster also added a goal. ~ Press Release

For Robert Morris, senior attackman Trevor Moore led the way with four goals. Junior midfielder Kiel Matisz had two goals and an assist on the day. The Colonials had their chances in this game and really hung in with the top five Tar Heels. The Colonials only committed eight turnovers and forced 11 Tar Heel turnovers.

It will be interesting to see how UNC responds next week when they travel to Ohio St. to take on the Buckeyes. A tough win like this, especially this early in the season can do many different things to a team. It can be a confidence builder to know you can pull wins out against scrappy teams or it can lower confidence.

All in all it was game one and UNC leaves with the W. A win is a win and this can only mean good things for Galasso and his progress as well.