CHAPEL HILL -- The Loyola University Maryland men's soccer team began their 2023 campaign on the road against ACC foe, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Freshman midfielder Brandon Meminger scored in the second minute to give the Greyhounds an early lead, as the Greyhounds battled to a draw, 1-1. 

This is the first draw against an ACC opponent in the regular season since the Greyhounds battled to a draw against Wake Forest on October 22, 2019, when they tied 1-1 on the road. Loyola also played to a 0-0 draw at North Carolina on the road in the 2021 NCAA College Cup before the Tar Heels advanced on pemalities. 

The Greyhounds (0-0-1 overall) couldn't have started the season any better, as in the second minute. Loyola forced a turnover on their half of the field, and Brandon Meminger, who was able to create space on the left side of the box and bury a shot on the top right corner to give the Greyhounds the early 1-0 lead. 

The Greyhounds had their fair share of chances in the first half, but the Tar Heels (0-0-1 overall) began to gain momentum as they out-shot the Greyhounds 10-5 in the first half. The Greyhounds back line was up to the task, however, but Loyola yielded a penalty shot in the 43rd minute. Ahmad Al Qaq scored on the penalty for North Carolina, and the Tar Heels they tied it up heading into halftime. 

In the second half, the Tar Heels maintained the pressure on offense, managing to out-shoot the Greyhounds 10-1 in the half, but failed to reach the back of the net. Sophomore goalkeeper Dylan Van der Walt was solid in goal, making five saves on the night, as the Greyhounds and Tar Heels battled to a 1-1 draw. 

Jake Sweeney led the Greyhounds with three shots on the night, while Sean McEvoy, Rolondo Onu, and Meminger each had a shot. 

Martin Vician had a game-high five shots for the Tar Heels, while Collin Travasos had two saves in goal on the night. 

The Greyhounds will welcome the University of Delaware on Sunday evening for their 2023 home opener at 6:00 PM.