Young Tar Heels Talent Will Dictate UNC's 2024 Results

Progress is what any team wants to see in the opening weeks of the season, especially one leaning on underclassmen in several vital spots.

That’s the position North Carolina (2-0) finds itself in heading into Saturday’s visit from Johns Hopkins (3-1). Yes, the Tar Heels have 23 players classified as seniors and/or fifth-year players. But realistically, there’s a good chance their ceiling will be dictated by how quickly and effectively their young talent blossoms.

So far, so good. Redshirt freshman Dominic Pietramala has six goals and four assists in his first two college games, victories over Mercer and Fairfield on neutral fields. Freshman Owen Duffy, who quickly established himself as the quarterback on offense in the fall, has three goals and five assists.

Meanwhile, Brady Wambach has impressed on faceoffs, winning 21 of 26 draws (80.8 percent) while splitting time with fifth-year senior Andrew Tyeryar (13 of 23).

“I think, ultimately, those guys earned the opportunity to perform in the spring, and I think it is a good mix,” coach Joe Breschi said. “You’re just trying to find out where all the pieces fit and how they jell, and that’s what practices have been, and I think that’s what the first two games have been, trying to figure out those pieces and what can we do and what can’t we do.”

North Carolina has mixed up its midfield lines in its first two games, accounting for testing different combinations and player availability. Pietramala and Dewey Egan have been listed as starting midfielders for both games, with Lance Tillman starting the opener and Andrew Preis getting a look with the top group last week.

There is also encouragement from a second line that got Antonio DeMarco back for his season debut last week. He scored a goal against Fairfield and was joined by juniors Ryan Levy and Johnny Schwarz. The three combined for three goals, an assist and a couple caused turnovers against the Stags. Levy and Schwarz have scored at least a goal each in both of Carolina's games to date.

“That’s what is really the biggest thing for us, not just chemistry, but can we have balance and two lines and maybe even a third with the depth we have there,” Breschi said.

Saturday brings a different caliber of opponent, and how the Tar Heels fare against Hopkins could serve as a bellwether for a March schedule that includes Princeton, Penn and Army — never mind four ACC games in April.

So much about North Carolina is new, from much of its starting offensive personnel to new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Breschi and his staff learn a bit more each week, and this game could provide the most information and insight yet this year.

“You can certainly see where you’re at, but it’s an opportunity for us to play one of the best teams in the country and prepare the best we can and go out there and compete,” Breschi said. “For us, yes, it’s February, but it’s also a great opportunity to go out and compete against a great team like Johns Hopkins.”