UNC has reclaimed its championship crown, winning a historic 23rd national title after topping Wake Forest 1-0 in the Women’s College Cup Championship.
The Tar Heels ended their season on top in Cary, N.C., on Monday night, thanks to a thrilling set piece strike from Olivia Thomas in the 62nd minute.
It was a stunning moment for the sophomore forward, who capitalized off a Wake Forest foul just outside the box. The joy in Thomas was contagious and carried with her until the final whistle when she lifted the NCAA trophy at WakeMed Soccer Park.
“It means everything. It’s been a 12-year drought,” Thomas said in a post-game interview. “I don’t know. I’m just really shocked right now. I don’t know what to say. We’ve been working all year for this.”
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS…FOR THE 23RD TIME 🏆
(2) @uncwomenssoccer defeats (2) Wake Forest, 1-0, to win the 2024 Women’s College Cup.#WCollegeCup pic.twitter.com/H7ndKOCisi
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 10, 2024
With the win, North Carolina has regained its spot as soccer’s top collegiate program, returning to the championship stage following an overtime loss to UCLA in 2022. This year’s championship run followed a series of setbacks, starting with longtime coach Anson Dorrance’s retirement just days…
