The Women’s College Cup is the esteemed tournament of D1 college soccer and this year our two local competitors, The University of North Carolina and Wake Forest, battled it out on Monday, December 9th. UNC had a great 2024 season with 22 wins to 5 losses (7-3 ACC record). They beat Duke, the number 1 ranked team in the tournament, 3-0 in the semifinals. There is no doubt that they were ready to take on the 3rd ranked team, Wake Forest. Wake Forest had a record of 16-4-4 in the 2024 season and is a solid and consistent team.
With these two local teams competing at WakeMed Soccer Park, in Cary, it is safe to say the show out was incredible. Not only was it nearly impossible to find parking, the lines outside the stadium were endless. Everyone showed out in their UNC or Wake Forest gear, the intensity and energy certainly came from the crowd.
As you entered the stadium, the atmosphere was intense and loud as fans were in anticipation of the game soon to begin. On one side, there were 2 packed sections of Wake Forest fans dressed head to toe in black and gold. Right across the field is an entire side dedicated to loud and energetic UNC fans. The sea of Carolina blue was a prominent display of UNC support.
After the commencement of the National Anthem and the reading of the lineups, the game began. The tumultuous crowd filled the stadium with cheers, taunts, and excitement. This environment surely brings nerves to the players, along with motivation and focus.
The first half was an even game, both teams had both opportunities and nervous moments. With about even possession between the two teams, tensions started to rise between fans and players. The fans didn’t lose any enthusiasm as time passed, all the way to the half-time whistle blow. The game was still 0-0 at half so the crowd had to wait a suspenseful 15 minutes for the action to start again.
At the next whistle blow, the second half was kicked off and the action resumed. At the start of the half, UNC dominated the possession and goal-scoring opportunities. It looked as if Wake Forest was getting increasingly nervous, especially in the defense, as UNC’s attack was fierce. UNC’s defense proved similarly as they were an almost indestructible barrier blocking Wake Forest from getting close to the goal.
With 28 minutes left in the game, UNC drew a foul just right outside of the box. Sophomore, Olivia Thomas, stepped up to take the free kick. Olivia Thomas is the starting center forward and major goal scorer. Accordingly, the North Carolina team put their faith in Thomas. The crowd drew quiet as she lined up to take the kick, there was, without a doubt, a feeling in the air that something tremendous was about to happen.
The whistle blew and Thomas bent the ball into the right side of the goal’s inside netting! The Wake Forest goalkeeper could do nothing about the power and accuracy of the shot. As the ball hit the back of the net, Olivia Thomas had a look of happiness on her face, laced with astonishment at the shock of what she just did. She jumped up and her teammates came running toward her. Their celebration is ignited by the excitement of the crowd. With the majority of the stadium being filled with UNC fans, the crowd erupts in cheering.
Every positive experience for one team means a nervous scramble for the other. As Wake Forest took in their position as down a goal in the game, they moved forward to attempt a comeback. With 28 minutes still left in the game, Wake Forest had enough time to make ripples in the UNC defense and work towards tying up the game.
Their efforts got heated, with fouls occurring often as well as 3 yellow cards being given amongst the teams in these last 28 minutes. Wake Forest fans started chants to continue to motivate the team, but the UNC fans responded with chants of their own. Despite their best effort, North Carolina’s defense was solid and Wake Forest could not put away a goal of their own.
As the final whistle blew, the UNC team stormed the field to celebrate their 23rd national championship title. Senior at Green Level, Reese McElreath, attended the game on Monday night. She recalls the environment being, “electric”.
“I am new to the soccer environment, but I was largely impressed by the amount of turnout the game had. The stadium was large, but fans were standing even by the concessions area to support the women’s soccer teams. I feel as though it was an electric environment.”
The showout from the fans was certainly electric, especially from the Wake Forest side. McElreath says, “I was surprised by the volume of the Wake Forest fans. They had a designated student section, and it was amazing to see them coming all the way from Wake Forest to support their team.” The Wake Forest section was loud and supportive throughout the whole game.
It is undeniable that this game is proof of the growth of women’s collegiate sports. People are definitely starting to rally around women’s sports and making sure these talented athletes get the recognition they deserve. UNC may have brought home the national title but the real winner is all the women athletes, those that were playing in this game or just watching, knowing that their sport is important and supported too.
