Keator’s goal with 8:16 remaining prompted hundreds of Davidson fans to storm the field after the clock expired. And making the goal all the more notable, Keator had attempted just two shots on goal all season.

“Jake is capable of hitting really good shots,” said Davidson coach Matt Spear. “But for him to do it on this stage, it’s amazing. Just stunning.”

The Wildcats (6-6-2) had been struggling prior to the home match with the Tar Heels, winning just one of their previous six matches. Conversely, Carolina (11-2-1) was not only on a nine-game winning streak, but carried a 23-4-2 series record against Davidson into the match. And the Tar Heels even outshot Davidson 16-3. But Wildcats keeper Chip Sanders shutout the Heels.

“That’s the most amazing sports moment of my life,” said Sanders, who turned back three point blank shots during an onslaught of shots in the final minutes. “Unbelievable,” said Sanders. “Absolutely incredible.”

The Wildcats switched to a 4-1-4-1 alignment that focused on closely defending the Heels’ top scorers Enzo Martinez and Billy Schuler. And the strategy limited good scoring chances for Carolina.

Not many would have predicted the game’s lone goal to be scored by Keator, but the sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., was more proud of the team’s accomplishment.

“It just worked out,” said Keator. “The goals happen. But it’s really more of a team thing. I just tried to put the ball on frame. That was really the only objective.”

The win was Davidson’s first against a top 10 team since a 4-1 win over No. 6 Duke two years ago.

“We climbed a steep, steep summit tonight,” said Spear. “We defended like crazy. We got one tremendous goal. And we persevered.”