Olivia Thomas secures UNC's historic win with stunning free kick

In Cary, North Carolina, on December 9, 2024, the University of North Carolina's women's soccer team achieved a significant milestone by clinching their first national championship since 2012. This victory came against Wake Forest University, with a final score of 1-0. The match was marked by Olivia Thomas's impressive free kick goal in the 62nd minute, her fourth goal of the NCAA Tournament, demonstrating her vital role in the team’s championship run. The win not only highlighted the skill of the players but also the growing legacy of women's soccer at UNC, a program that has now secured a total of 23 national championships, including titles from both the NCAA and AIAW eras. The victory for UNC was particularly noteworthy as they faced Wake Forest, who were making their first appearance in a championship game for women's soccer. This game marked a significant achievement for the Demon Deacons, who aimed for just their 11th national title across all sports. In contrast, North Carolina has now claimed 22 out of the 43 NCAA women's soccer championships, reinforcing their legacy as a dominant force in collegiate women's sports. Olivia Thomas's remarkable performance included drawing a foul just outside the 18-yard box, leading to a free kick that would prove decisive. Thomas calmly curled the ball past the Wake Forest goalkeeper Valentina Amaral, showcasing her skill and composure under pressure. The match was closely contested, and Wake Forest’s defensive strategies were robust, yet Thomas's clever playmaking and execution turned the tide for UNC. The interim head coach Damon Nahas made history by becoming only the second coach in NCAA women's soccer history to win a national championship in his first year as head coach, emulating the success of Margueritte Aozasa at UCLA. Furthermore, the match drew attention not only due to the teams' rivalries but also because it highlighted a unique moment in North Carolina sports; it was the first championship game played between two teams from the state since 1992, when North Carolina defeated Duke in a significant encounter. The historic rivalry and the stakes of this title game added an emotional layer to an already tense competition. Overall, this championship win signifies a new chapter for North Carolina women's soccer, as they continue to lead in national titles and remain a powerhouse in the sport.