UNC Defeats Duke to Reach College Cup Final

by Victor Olorunfemi

December 6, 2024

North Carolina scored early and often in a 3-0 defeat of rivals Duke to move on to the College Cup Final. It marks the final game for the legendary Robbie Church, who announced before the season that this would be his last.

Maddie Dahlien signaled North Carolina’s intent early on, with her blazing drive past three defenders forcing the penalty kick that Kate Faasse finished in the 10th minute. The goal gave the junior striker her NCAA-leading 20th of the season, a remarkable breakout campaign, considering she had four goals in 40 college games coming into the year.

TAR HEELS TAKE THE LEAD EARLY 🐏#WCollegeCup x 🎥 ESPNU / @uncwomenssoccer pic.twitter.com/cfzyLOcqSo
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 7, 2024

“Honestly, I owe it all to my team. They trust me and put me in the positions to score those goals. And respect to Damon [Nahas], he has instilled this confidence in me that I can do it. Even if I miss or shank the shot, he believes that I can do it and to just keep going.”

Before Duke could answer, the Tar Heels scored again in the 24th minute as Olivia Thomas utilized her world-class speed to burst past the defense and finish a long ball from Bella Gaetino. Down 2-0, the ACC regular season champions fought valiantly to restore the scoreline, coming close on an Ella Hase header that bounced off the crossbar and then a Carina Lageyre shot that beat the keeper but hit the post. Those near-misses summed up a frustrating first half where Duke went into the half with a 13-8 advantage in shots but a 0-2 disadvantage on the scoreboard.

BELLA TO OLIVIA 🤌🤌

Just two girls from Michigan.

📺 » https://t.co/Qfia88VNKf pic.twitter.com/SLGkQlqC9f
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) December 7, 2024

The second half was more of the same. The Dukies created a few quality chances but failed to capitalize. North Carolina made no such mistake on their only shot of the second half as Olivia Thomas beat a couple of defenders and fed Faasse, who then found Dahlien for a perfect touch and finish. That third and final goal in the 59th knocked the wind out of Duke’s sails, with the rest of the match dissolving into a series of misplaced passes and off-target shots.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!?!?!

📺 » https://t.co/Qfia88VNKf pic.twitter.com/iYXWNgwwpb
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) December 7, 2024

Church was grateful to have reached one final College Cup despite the result. “I do want to say that even though it was a disappointing game, we had a heck of a year. Each of these ladies gave me, this old man, so much fun. It was so fun to be around this group.”

Led by first-year head coach Damon Nahas, the Tar Heels will now play Wake Forest for the national title on December 9th, looking to end a program-record drought of 12 years without a title.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast