NCAA Soccer Championship Ends in Heartbreak for NC State After Sudden-Death Goal

The Washington Huskies are the 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer National Champions. They defeated the NC State Wolfpack 3-2 in a dramatic final in Cary, North Carolina. The match was decided by a sudden-death goal in the first period of extra time. Harrison Bertos scored the winner for Washington, ending NC State’s magical tournament run.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. According to ESPN’s broadcast, NC State staged a stunning comeback with two late goals to force overtime. The Huskies’ victory marks their second national title in program history, secured on a humid night at First Horizon Stadium.

Wolfpack’s Missed Chances Haunt First Half

NC State controlled early play but failed to convert. Star forward Donavan Phillip saw a shot roll just wide of the post. Midfielder Justin McLean hit the crossbar with a powerful strike in the first half.

Washington grew into the game as the half progressed. They broke the deadlock just before halftime. A failed clearance by the Wolfpack defense fell to Huskies forward Zach Ramsey, who calmly chipped the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Stunning Comeback Sets Stage for Dramatic Finish

The Huskies doubled their lead midway through the second half. A swift counterattack ended with midfielder Joe Dale scoring, making it 2-0. The Wolfpack’s championship hopes seemed to vanish.

NC State refused to quit. Donavan Phillip scored a spectacular bicycle kick to cut the deficit. Then, with under four minutes left in regulation, midfielder Taig Healy slotted home the equalizer. The stadium erupted as the game headed to a golden-goal overtime period.

Sudden-Death Goal Seals Huskies’ Victory

The first overtime period started with high intensity. Both teams knew one mistake could be fatal. Washington applied early pressure and found the decisive moment.

Huskies forward Harrison Bertos found space inside the box. He finished from close range just minutes into the extra period, triggering Washington’s celebration. The goal instantly ended the match, leaving NC State players devastated on the field.

The 2025 NCAA soccer championship will be remembered for its relentless drama. NC State’s incredible fightback fell just short against a clinical Washington side. The sudden-death finish provided a brutal and unforgettable conclusion to the college soccer season.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Q1: Who scored the winning goal in the NCAA final?

Washington Huskies forward Harrison Bertos scored the sudden-death winner. He scored early in the first overtime period to secure a 3-2 victory. The goal ended the match instantly under golden goal rules.

Q2: How did NC State tie the game late?

Midfielder Taig Healy scored the tying goal with less than four minutes left. It was his fourth goal in four consecutive tournament games. The play set up the dramatic overtime finish.

Q3: Where was the 2025 NCAA Championship held?

The match was held at First Horizon Stadium in Cary, North Carolina. The venue is a regular host for the NCAA College Cup. It provided a neutral site for the national final.

Q4: Was this Washington’s first national title?

No, this marks Washington’s second NCAA men’s soccer national championship. Their first title win came previously in 2021. The program is now established as a modern dynasty.

Q5: How did NC State reach the championship game?

NC State made a surprise run as a lower-seeded team. They defeated several higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. Their journey captured significant attention throughout the tournament.