RADFORD – For the first time since 2002, Radford welcomes a ranked men's soccer opponent to town when the Highlanders entertain No. 5 North Carolina at Cupp Stadium on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Admission for Tuesday's game is $5.  Radford students are free with their RUID card.

The Highlanders (2-3-1) are looking for their first win in three outings after a 2-0 setback on Saturday afternoon at Cupp Stadium against Gardner-Webb.   Played through a driving rain storm and deteriorating field conditions all afternoon, the Runnin' Bulldogs scored in each half to hand Radford its first Big South loss this season.

Radford's best scoring opportunities came in the first half.   In the 28th minute, senior Justin Zimmer dropped a pass back for junior Mike Handlin at the top of the box, but Handlin's low drive drifted wide of the net.  Zimmer's corner kick in the 43rd minute found freshman Myles Jones in front, but Jones tapped the ball just outside the near post.  Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Taylor made five saves for Radford.

North Carolina (4-1-1) is looking to get back on track after dropping its first match of the 2009 season, a 1-0 decision at Maryland in ACC action Friday night.   The Tar Heels, 2008 College Cup runners-up, have spent the entire season in the top five of the NSCAA/adidas Division I poll.

The Tar Heels and Radford meet for the eighth time on Tuesday and for the first time since a scoreless draw on Oct. 20, 1998 in Radford.  North Carolina is 4-2-1 against the Highlanders.   

Tuesday marks the first time since Oct. 26, 2005 (Virginia Tech, L 0-4) that the Highlanders have faced a ranked opponent.  Radford's last win against a ranked foe was a 3-2 victory at No. 5 Duke on Sept. 27, 2000.

RADFORD AGAINST RANKED TEAMS SINCE 1997 (home team in Bold)

Oct. 21, 1997

Radford 4, at No. 8 N.C. State 1

Sept. 4, 1998

Radford 3, No. 13 South Florida 3 (2 OT) (at Florida International)

Sept. 6, 1998

Radford 2, at No. 17 Florida International 1

Oct. 1, 1998

at No. 2 Duke 2, Radford 1 (OT)

Sept. 17, 1999

No. 13 Old Dominion 1, Radford 0 (at William & Mary)

Oct. 5, 1999

at No. 3 Wake Forest 5, Radford 2

Nov. 13, 1999

at No. 4 Furman 1, Radford 0 (NCAA Tournament)

Sept. 27, 2000

Radford 3, at No. 5 Duke 2

Nov. 12, 2000

at No. 12 Furman 2, Radford 0 (NCAA Tournament)

Sept. 18, 2002

at No. 20 Duke 3, Radford 2

Oct. 5, 2002

No. 22 Coastal Carolina 4, Radford 0

Oct. 25, 2003

at No. 13 Coastal Carolina 2, Radford 0

Oct. 26, 2005

at No. 12 Virginia Tech 4, Radford 0