UNC Women’s Soccer Wins 23rd NCAA Championship in Thrilling Victory

ByCoach

The North Carolina Tar Heels have once again proven their dominance in women’s college soccer by clinching their 23rd national championship. The Tar Heels defeated Wake Forest 1-0 in a thrilling final at WakeMed Soccer Park, marking their first NCAA title since 2012. This victory further cements UNC’s legacy as the most successful program in the history of women’s college soccer.

Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable achievement and the key moments that defined the Tar Heels’ 2024 season.

The Road to the Championship

The Tar Heels entered the 2024 NCAA Division I women’s soccer tournament as a formidable second seed. Their journey to the championship game was marked by stellar performances and strategic prowess.

The team showcased their resilience and skill, defeating several strong opponents along the way.

Key Matches and Highlights

Throughout the tournament, UNC demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with:

  • First Round Victory: An 8-0 win over USC Upstate, matching the program’s largest first-round win in school history from 2003.
  • Milestone Achievements: The team earned its 250th regular-season win on October 10 and its 950th all-time win on November 7.
  • All-Tournament Accolades: Freshmen Trinity Armstrong and Linda Ullmark were selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team, highlighting the depth of talent on the roster.

Championship Game Recap

In the championship match against Wake Forest, the Tar Heels faced a formidable opponent making their first-ever title game appearance. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams going into the break scoreless.

Decisive Moments

The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Olivia Thomas netted her ninth goal of the season off a free kick, securing the title for UNC.

Thomas’ performance earned her the title of Most Outstanding Offensive Player, making her the first Tar Heel to receive this honor since Kealia Ohai in 2012.

Goalkeeper Clare Gagne was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player, becoming only the second Carolina netminder to win the accolade since Siri Mullinix in 1997.

Historic Achievements and Records

UNC’s 2024 season was filled with historic achievements and record-breaking performances:

  • 23rd National Championship: The Tar Heels have now won 22 of the 43 NCAA titles in history, plus the 1981 AIAW title for a total of 23 national championships.
  • Consistent Excellence: Carolina extended its streak as the only team to appear in all 43 NCAA Tournaments, earning its 32nd College Cup berth.
  • Dominant Record: The Tar Heels now have an all-time record of 153-18-5 in the NCAA Tournament, far surpassing any other program.

Individual Honors and Team Accolades

The 2024 season saw several Tar Heels earning individual honors and team accolades:

  • All-America Selections: UNC had three All-America selections, with Kate Faasse being named a First Team All-America, the first since Brianna Pinto in 2020.
  • All-Atlantic Region First Team: Armstrong and Faasse earned spots on the All-Atlantic Region First Team, while Dellarose landed on the second team.
  • All-ACC Honors: Six Tar Heels combined for seven All-ACC Honors, with Armstrong and Faasse leading the way on the first team.

Leadership and Coaching

Interim head coach Damon Nahas played a pivotal role in guiding the Tar Heels to their 23rd national championship.

Nahas became only the second coach in NCAA women’s soccer history to win a national championship in their first year as a head coach, joining UCLA’s Margueritte Aozasa from 2022.

He is also the fourth Carolina head coach to win a national championship in their first season at the helm.

Coaching Legacy

Nahas joins an elite group of Carolina coaches who have achieved this feat, including:

  • Erin Matson: Field hockey, 2023
  • Carlos Somoano: Men’s soccer, 2011
  • Dave Klarmann: Men’s lacrosse, 1991

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 season now in the books, the Tar Heels have set a high bar for future teams. The program’s rich history and tradition of excellence continue to attract top talent, ensuring that UNC remains a powerhouse in women’s college soccer.

Future Prospects

The success of the 2024 season bodes well for the future of the program. Young talents like Trinity Armstrong and Linda Ullmark have also emerged.

The Tar Heels will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the 2025 season. They aim to add yet another championship to their illustrious history.

For more details on the Tar Heels’ remarkable season and their journey to the championship, visit the official UNC athletics website.

Stay up to date with UNC women’s soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Related Posts