CARRBORO — In a low-scoring rivalry affair, Chapel Hill’s defense prevailed in a 2-0 win over Carrboro Tuesday.
“We played well,” Chapel Hill coach Davis Boyle said. “We’re happy to keep a zero.”
After multiple close misses, Chapel Hill senior Cyrus Ahmed gathered a pass on the left side of the penalty area and found the net for the first score. He was assisted by junior Cameron Royster.
“I just saw he made the run,” Royster said. “(Ahmed) was open. I trust him with finishing that every time.”
Royster gave the Tigers extra cushion by corralling a bad tap from a Carrboro defender and scoring with six minutes to play in the second half.
The Tigers’ defense created numerous scoring opportunities in the opening period with successful tackles followed by long clearances. Chapel Hill controlled the possession for most of the game, coming away with seven corners.
“Three very good defenders back there,” Boyle said. “Wyatt Ragosta, Vail Tucker and Eli Rawls. And the goalkeeper, also, Henry Thompson. And don’t want to forget David Fleming sitting in front of them as a midfielder. They deal with everything, whether it’s in the air or on the ground. They’re all good with the ball with their feet.”
However, the defensive intensity came with physical, chippy play. Both teams took their fair share of free kicks. Chapel Hill’s Liam Davis received a yellow card with 11 minutes left in the first half.
Carrboro picked up momentum in the final 15 minutes of the game with long shot attempts and one from close range that Thompson was able to save. Three offsides penalties also thwarted late pushes from Carrboro to tie the game.
The Jaguars, who outscored their first two opponents (Hillside and Southeast Alamance) 7-1, fell to 2-1 on the season. Carrboro will play at Franklin Academy Thursday at 8 p.m.
Chapel Hill, which moved to 1-0, is coming off a state title appearance in 2025. The Tigers returned many underclassmen from last year’s roster and are looking to find their way back to the final game this fall.
“We’re trying to take it day-by-day, week-by-week and not focus on that ultimate goal and just focus in on getting better,” Boyle said. “Because we know the result will come if we work hard.”
The Tigers will face off against Hough in the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association Select Soccer Kick-Off Classic Thursday at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will begin at 6 p.m. on field 3.