Schillo Tshuma redirected a Patrick Mullins shot late in the first overtime period to lift the No. 1 Maryland men's soccer team over No. 2 North Carolina on a wet Friday night at Ludwig Field.

A crowd of 7,340, the second highest in Maryland (13-0-1, 6-0-0 ACC) soccer history, saw a quality contest with the top-ranked teams in the country going back and forth on a water-logged field.

The Terrapins dominated the first half of play, creating multiple high quality chances. Mullins' long distance strike was saved by UNC goalkeeper Scott Goodwin as the Maryland attack overran the top defensive team in the country early.

Maryland's opportunities continued midway through the half. An incredible sequence saw Maryland pepper North Carolina's goal with five shots, but Goodwin rise to the task, making three quality saves.

Maryland picked up where it left off in the second half. Midfielder Jereme Raley's corner was almost turned in by defender Dakota Edwards within the first three minutes, but the freshman's effort slammed off the post.

The last 10 minutes saw both teams get within inches of victory. Midfielder John Stertzer created a glorious chance with four minutes remaining, but Goodwin saved the short-range effort.

Tshuma's header with two minutes remaining struck the post, as the Terrapins continued to press for the winner.

North Carolina (11-2-1, 4-1-1 ACC) was able to beat Maryland on the counter and create their best chance of the night late in regulation. Junior forward Robert Lovejoy was taken down in the box late by Tshuma, but Maryland keeper Keith Cardona came up huge, saving Lovejoy's penalty and midfielder Verneri Valimaa's follow-up.

Maryland came right back down the field after the penalty, and Mullins' shot with mere seconds on the clock found the post.

Maryland finally obtained the breakthrough in the first overtime stanza after a flowing attacking move. Tshuma was able to find Mullins streaking on the left side of the box. The senior's hard left-footed shot was redirected in by the freshman for the winner.

The goal was Tshuma's sixth of the season, and Mullins' team-leading 24th point on the year. It was only the fourth goal North Carolina's defense has surrendered all season long.

"This was a great game. It was a great advertisement for college soccer," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "This was a real classic 1v2 game and this is one of those nights I'll always treasure.

"To make the plays in this game we needed to make. We dominated the first half, came up a little empty, and battled through the second half. They hit a few goalposts, we hit a few goalposts. We saved a penalty and then we win in overtime. It doesn't get much better than that.

"I love our fans. For me and the players to have them stand and sing and cheer through these conditions is one of the most humbling things a player or coach can have."

Maryland retakes the field this Tuesday against Lehigh. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Ludwig Field and the game can be seen live on TerpsTV Premium.   

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