After a 1-1 tie at No. 8 Duke this past weekend, the NC State women’s soccer team will travel to Chapel Hill on Thursday to face No. 4 UNC in a rivalry match. 

The Wolfpack (5-3-1) is coming off an impressive three-game stretch, which includes blowout wins over Furman and East Carolina, and a draw against No. 8 Duke. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels (8-1) bounced back after their first loss of the season versus Arkansas with a convincing 3-0 win at No. 20 Louisville.

UNC’s offense has been one of the best in the country over the first half of the season. The Tar Heels have scored 28 goals over their first nine games, and have collectively outshot their opponents 149 to 44. Midfielder Brianna Pinto leads the team in points with six goals and three assists, while forward Alessia Russo has also contributed six goals on the season.

UNC’s defense has been equally impressive, only allowing four goals so far this season. Time at goalkeeper has been split between Claudia Dickey and Marz Josephson. Dickey and Josephson have combined for 15 saves, 11 and four, respectively. They also have seven shutouts combined on the season.

NC State’s offense continues to be led by senior Tziarra King, who has tallied eight goals and four assists. After King, the Wolfpack has had a balanced attack, with seven players scoring at least one goal and nine players with at least one assist.

While the Wolfpack defense has only put together two shutouts on the season, it has generally gotten the job done. Led by junior goalkeeper Jessica Berlin, the defense has surrendered only nine goals so far. Berlin has totaled 25 saves on the year.

NC State will need to start and finish strong if it wants to pass its toughest test yet against UNC. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at the UNC Lacrosse & Soccer Stadium in Chapel Hill, and the game will be televised on the ACC Network.