Two teams. One trophy. Both won five NCAA tournament games to get here, but each has a unique story defining what a national title would mean to the program.
It’s been a historic year for Wake Forest, which will play in their first-ever national championship match at just their second-ever College Cup. The Deaconss have had a remarkable 16-3-4 season, earning their first-ever win over a No. 1 team and directly after beating a No. 2 team — they became the first team in NCAA history to beat the No. 1 and No. 2 teams back-to-back. These feats come after an unsuccessful 2023 season where the Deacs missed out on the NCAA tournament after finishing sixth in the ACC. The team is made up of veterans who have worked hard to get the program where it is today. In his 29th season at the helm, coach Tony da Luz shared after the semifinal win over Stanford (1-0) how this team is like none other.
‘They want to make history for the program’ 🥹
Head Coach Tony da Luz on @WakeWSoccer‘s win over Stanford to advance to the national championship.#WCollegeCup pic.twitter.com/nWBhYhdAyU
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 7, 2024
Then there’s North Carolina. The Tar Heels will be playing in their 28th national championship, returning after a 2022 overtime loss to UCLA. Despite…
