UNC Women’s Soccer Reaches 32nd NCAA College Cup in Cary

ByCoach

In a thrilling quarterfinal match, the University of North Carolina’s Women’s Soccer team secured a spot in the 2024 NCAA College Cup. They defeated Penn State 2-1 in an overtime victory. This win marks UNC’s 32nd College Cup appearance, further solidifying their dominance in women’s collegiate soccer.

North Carolina’s Path to Victory

On November 29, 2024, the No. 2-seed North Carolina Tar Heels faced off against the No. 4-seed Penn State Nittany Lions at Dorrance Field. The match was a testament to UNC’s tenacity and strategic prowess, culminating in a golden goal by Kate Faasse in the 98th minute. This victory not only propelled the Tar Heels to the national semifinals but also highlighted their exceptional season performance.

First Half: A Battle of Wills

The game began with Penn State taking an early lead in the 14th minute, thanks to a well-placed shot by Katie Scott. Despite this setback, UNC maintained their composure and dominated possession.

Bella Gaetino nearly equalized five minutes later, but her powerful strike was thwarted by PSU’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Gress. A disallowed goal for Penn State and a near-miss by Tessa Dellarose kept the scoreline at 1-0 heading into halftime.

Second Half: The Equalizer

UNC came out strong in the second half, determined to level the score. Just four minutes in, Aria Nagai set up Gaetino for a stunning left-footed shot from 25 yards out, which found the back of the net.

This goal energized the Tar Heels, who continued to pressure Penn State’s defense. Despite numerous attempts, including a near-miss by Faasse in the 84th minute, the game remained tied at the end of regulation.

Overtime: The Golden Goal

With the score locked at 1-1, the match entered overtime. The Tar Heels’ persistence paid off when Dellarose delivered a precise corner kick to Faasse, who headed the ball into the net for the game-winning goal.

This dramatic finish secured UNC’s place in the College Cup and highlighted Faasse’s remarkable season, where she now leads the nation with 19 goals.

Key Players and Stats

Several players were instrumental in UNC’s victory:

  • Kate Faasse: Nation-leading 19 goals, 41 points (4th in NCAA, 1st in ACC), 7 game-winning goals (1st in ACC, 2nd in NCAA).
  • Bella Gaetino: Scored her fifth goal of the year, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.
  • Tessa Dellarose: Provided the crucial assist for the game-winning goal, her seventh assist of the season.
  • Aria Nagai: Assisted Gaetino’s equalizer, bringing her season total to three assists.

UNC’s defensive prowess was also on display, limiting Penn State to just eight shots compared to their own 31.

Goalkeeper Clare Gagne made three crucial saves, while the team’s overall performance underscored their dominance in collegiate soccer.

Historical Significance

This victory continues UNC’s unparalleled legacy in women’s soccer. The Tar Heels have now appeared in all 43 NCAA Tournaments, boasting an all-time record of 151-18-5.

Their 21 NCAA titles (plus the 1981 AIAW title) are unmatched, and they have advanced to the national title game 27 times, finishing as runners-up on six occasions.

Looking Ahead

As the Tar Heels prepare for their 32nd College Cup appearance, they aim to capture their 23rd national championship.

The semifinal match will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, where UNC will face the winner of the Duke vs. Virginia Tech match.

The game is scheduled for December 6, with kickoff times at either 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.

Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For more detailed information, visit the official UNC Athletics website.

Conclusion

The University of North Carolina’s Women’s Soccer team continues to set the standard for excellence in collegiate sports. Their latest victory against Penn State is a testament to their skill, determination, and rich history.

As they advance to the College Cup, the Tar Heels remain focused on adding another national championship to their illustrious record.

Stay tuned as this storied program continues to make history.

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