The sixth-seeded University of Minnesota soccer team (14-5-3, 6-3-2 B1G) fell to No. 2 North Carolina (19-5, 7-3 ACC) 3-0 on Sunday evening at Dorrance Field. With the loss, the Golden Gophers’ season officially comes to an end.
Despite the loss, the Maroon and Gold wrap up a historic season. The Sweet 16 reach is the first for the program in 14 years. Before 2024, the Gophers had not hosted an NCAA Tournament game since 2016 and had not received a bid since 2018.
Minnesota saw seven shots during the match. Caroline Birdsell had three chances followed by Sophia Romine who had two. Khyah Harper and Sophia Boman each had one shot.
North Carolina’s first goal came 17 minutes into the match. Maddie Dahlien and Kate Faasse assisted Linda Ullmark for the 1-0 lead.
After an even 27 minutes of play, the Tar Heels finished with a minute and a half on the clock. Aven Alvarez found Evelyn Shores who doubled their lead.
Halfway through the second half, Dahlien and Shores would create a play for Olivia Thomas to triple the lead for the win.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
