North Carolina and UCLA, two of the best teams from this entire season, go head to head in a Herculean matchup between two of the biggest programs in the sport. Both teams have survived a five-game gauntlet to get here with dramatic results. So let’s recap how these teams got here and preview what should be an epic NCAA Tournament Final.
Road to the NCAA Tournament Final
North Carolina
Defeated
- Old Dominion 5-0
- Georgia 3-1
- BYU 3-2
- #1 Notre Dame 2-0
- #1 Florida St 3-2
Based on their two previous meetings, no one could’ve ever expected a goal-fest like this. Not only that, but for North Carolina to go up 3-0 against a Florida St attack that looked unstoppable all year long is an incredible feat. Anson Dorrance and his staff were able to add the right players and develop them to take out a Seminoles team that’s been arguably the program of the decade.
An uncharacteristic mistake led to the first goal, but Tori Hansen gave the Tar Heels some breathing room with a clutch penalty. Hansen has been on point from the spot all year.
59′ I Hansen’s PK extends North Carolina’s lead!
(2) @uncwomenssoccer– 2
🆚
(1) @FSUSoccer– 0📺 ESPNU #WCollegeCup pic.twitter.com/Nkh4sz5Cvn
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 3, 2022
Florida State almost pulled off a crazy…
