CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina women’s soccer team achieved a historic milestone on Sunday night at Dorrance Field, celebrating their remarkable 150th NCAA Tournament victory in the program’s illustrious history. This unparalleled achievement highlights North Carolina’s dominance, as no other college has surpassed 83 wins in the 43 years since the inception of the NCAA women’s soccer championship.
The monumental win was solidified after the No. 2 seed Tar Heels decisively defeated the No. 6 seed Minnesota Golden Gophers with a commanding score of 3-0 during the NCAA Third Round. This victory allows North Carolina to advance to the quarterfinals for the 35th time in the program’s illustrious history.
The Tar Heels, now ranked eighth nationally, improved their overall record to 19-5 with a 7-3 conference standing in the ACC following this impressive win. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers concluded their season with a record of 14-5-3 (6-3-2 Big Ten).
How It Happened
- The home team set the pace early and was quick to go on the attack, as Maddie Dahlien fired off a shot in the fifth minute that was ultimately denied by Minnesota keeper Sarah Martin.
- UNC broke through in the 17th minute to go up 1-0. Driving to the endline on the left side, Dahlien sent a cutback pass that connected with Kate Faasse, who quickly played it off. Loose inside the box, Ullmark struck the ball, ricocheting it off the crossbar and over the goal line.
- Continuing to press, Dahlien again had another chance 10 minutes later after finding herself 1v1 with Martin, but her chip sailed inches wide of the far post.
- Carolina doubled its lead with 90 seconds remaining before the break. Bringing the ball in from the left side, Dahlien passed it to Aven Alvarez on the right. Alvarez maneuvered past two Gophers and delivered a precise pass between the legs of another defender to set up Evelyn Shores, who expertly rolled her first touch into the back of the net with her left boot.
- The Tar Heels carried their 2-0 lead into the break while out-shooting the Golden Gophers 11-4, including 3-1 on target. Clare Gagne had one key first-half save.
- UNC made it a 3-0 game in the 57th minute, with nearly identical execution to its second goal as a defensive misstep from Minnesota’s backline opened up space in the box. Dahlien created isolation and sent another cutback pass to Olivia Thomas, whose left-footed first touch rolled into the bottom right corner.
- The Tar Heels defended fiercely, anchored by Trinity Armstrong, Bella Gaetino, and Emerson Elgin, limiting Minnesota to just three shots during the second half, with only one on target in each half.
Inside the Box Score
- Ullmark scored her sixth goal of the year, ranking third on the team with 17 points.
- Shores recorded a goal and an assist in just her seventh appearance of the year, marking her return from injury sustained earlier this season.
- Thomas found the back of the net for the seventh time this season, ranking fourth on the roster with 16 points.
- Dahlien achieved her first multi-assist game and now leads the roster with seven assists.
- The Tar Heels finished the match with a commanding 16-7 advantage in shots.
- UMN suffered just its third shutout of the season at the hands of UNC’s formidable defense.
- Carolina now boasts 14 shutouts this year, with 11 credited to Gagne, who made two saves in the match.
NCAA Tournament Tidbits
- North Carolina extended its streak as the only team to participate in all 43 NCAA Tournaments.
- The Tar Heels have an all-time record of 150-18-5 in NCAA Tournament play.
- Carolina has claimed an impressive 21 of 42 NCAA titles, in addition to the 1981 AIAW title, totaling 22 national championships.
- Carolina has reached the College Cup 31 times, including four of the last six years, a feat no other team has matched with more than 14 appearances.
- The Tar Heels have advanced to the national title game 27 times, including in three of the last six tournaments.
- Seeding as a No. 2 seed has been advantageous, with UNC winning five NCAA titles in this position, the most recent being in 2012.
Up Next
Carolina, as the No. 2 seed, is set to host the NCAA Quarterfinals and will welcome the No. 4 seed Penn State to Dorrance Field on Friday, Nov. 29.
Kickoff time for this pivotal Elite Eight matchup remains to be determined, and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN+. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
The winner of Friday’s match will secure a place in the College Cup to be held in nearby Cary at WakeMed Soccer Park on Dec. 6 (semifinals) and Dec. 9 (championship). UNC aims for its 32nd College Cup berth in its storied history.
Stay up to date with UNC women’s soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
How significant is Evelyn Shores’ return to the team in light of their recent performances and upcoming matches?
**Interview Segment: Celebrating the Tar Heels’ 150th NCAA Tournament Win**
**Interviewer**: Good evening, everyone! Today, we have the honor of speaking with Coach Anson Dorrance from the University of North Carolina women’s soccer team, who just celebrated a momentous victory—his team’s 150th NCAA Tournament win! Coach, thank you for joining us.
**Coach Dorrance**: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer**: Coach, reaching 150 NCAA Tournament wins is a historic milestone. What does this achievement mean for you and the program?
**Coach Dorrance**: It’s incredibly gratifying. This record reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent of all the players and coaches who have been part of this program over the years. It’s a testament to our culture and commitment to excellence.
**Interviewer**: In their latest match, the Tar Heels defeated Minnesota 3-0 quite decisively. What were your thoughts on the team’s performance?
**Coach Dorrance**: I was thrilled with how we executed our game plan. We established our dominance early, created scoring opportunities, and showcased our defensive strength—limiting Minnesota to very few chances. The way Maddie Dahlien and Evelyn Shores contributed with assists and goals really stood out.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of players, it was great to see Evelyn Shores back on the field after her injury. How important is her presence to the team?
**Coach Dorrance**: Having Evelyn back is huge for us. She brings not just skill but also leadership and experience. Her goal in the match was a perfect example of what she adds to our attack. It’s like having a new weapon in our arsenal.
**Interviewer**: The Tar Heels are now gearing up for the quarterfinals. What’s the focus moving forward as the competition intensifies?
**Coach Dorrance**: Our focus is on maintaining our defensive solidity while being more clinical in front of goal. We need to build on this momentum and continue to improve every day. Every match is a new challenge, and we must stay disciplined and poised.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, Coach, your team has an impressive record in NCAA tournaments. What would you say is the key to sustaining this level of success over the years?
**Coach Dorrance**: It boils down to recruiting talented players who fit our culture, fostering a competitive environment, and continually focusing on development. We emphasize the importance of teamwork and striving for greatness in every aspect of the game.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Coach Dorrance, for your insights and congratulations again on reaching 150 NCAA Tournament victories! We look forward to seeing how the Tar Heels perform in the upcoming matches.
**Coach Dorrance**: Thank you! We appreciate the support and hope to keep making our fans proud.
**Interviewer**: And that wraps up our interview! Stay tuned for more updates on North Carolina women’s soccer as they continue their journey through the NCAA Tournament!
