Olivia Thomas’ Stunning Free Kick Secures UNC’s First National Title Since 2012
CARY, N.C. — The Women’s College Cup final had all the makings of a classic, and Olivia Thomas delivered a moment of magic that will be remembered for years to come. In the 62nd minute, with the game deadlocked at 0-0, Thomas stepped up to take a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. What followed was nothing short of brilliance. The sophomore curled a beauty past Wake Forest’s wall and into the back of the net, giving North Carolina a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish. That goal not only sealed the victory but also marked UNC’s first national championship since 2012.
For Thomas, this was her fourth goal of the NCAA tournament and her ninth of the season. Talk about stepping up when it matters most! The Tar Heels, who finished the season with a 22-5-0 record, now boast an incredible 22 NCAA women’s soccer titles. Add in their 1981 AIAW title, and the program has a staggering 23 national championships. To put that into perspective, no other women’s soccer team has won more than four. Dominance, thy name is North Carolina.
Wake Forest’s Historic Run Falls Just Short
On the other side of the pitch, Wake Forest had a season to remember. The Demon Deacons, who entered the final with a 16-4-4 record, were playing in the championship game for the first time in program history. While they fell just short of the ultimate prize, their journey to the final was nothing short of inspiring. A win would have marked just the 11th national championship in school history across all sports. Still, their performance this season has undoubtedly set a new standard for the program.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The decisive moment came when Thomas drew three defenders and was fouled just outside the box by Wake Forest’s Dempsey Brown, who was shown a yellow card for the challenge. With the pressure on, Thomas lined up her shot, found a gap in the wall, and curled it past Wake Forest goalkeeper Valentina Amaral. The crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park erupted as the ball hit the back of the net, and the Tar Heels never looked back.
“It’s a moment you dream about as a player,” Thomas said after the game. “To score a goal like that in a championship game, it’s just surreal.”
UNC’s Legacy of Excellence
North Carolina’s victory adds yet another chapter to their storied history. This was the Tar Heels’ 32nd College Cup appearance, a number that no other team even comes close to matching. For context, the next closest program has made just 14 appearances. Monday night’s game marked UNC’s 28th appearance in the national title game, where they now hold a record of 22-6. Simply put, the Tar Heels are the gold standard in women’s college soccer.
Interim head coach Damon Nahas also made history with the win. Nahas became just 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, who accomplished the feat in 2022. Not a bad way to start your head coaching career, right?
North Carolina’s Championship Pedigree
UNC’s dominance isn’t limited to women’s soccer. The school now has 51 NCAA team championships across eight sports, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in the country. Monday’s title game was also a historic one for the state of North Carolina. It marked the first time since 1992 that two teams from the state faced off in the championship game. Back then, UNC defeated Duke 9-1. This time, the margin was much slimmer, but the result was the same: another title for the Tar Heels.
Key Takeaways
- Olivia Thomas scored her fourth goal of the NCAA tournament with a stunning free kick in the 62nd minute.
- North Carolina now has 22 NCAA women’s soccer titles and 23 national championships overall, including their 1981 AIAW title.
- Wake Forest made its first-ever appearance in the championship game, capping off a historic season.
- Interim head coach Damon Nahas became the second coach in NCAA women’s soccer history to win a national title in their first year.
As the final whistle blew, the Tar Heels celebrated their hard-fought victory, and the fans in Cary, N.C., were treated to a night of unforgettable soccer. For UNC, it’s another trophy in an already overflowing cabinet. For Wake Forest, it’s a stepping stone to what could be a bright future. But on this night, it was all about Olivia Thomas and the Tar Heels, who once again proved why they are the queens of college soccer.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
