Tomorrow night at 6 p.m. the Notre Dame women’s soccer team will take the pitch for what is sure to be an intense matchup. The Irish have dominated their ACC play so far, winning their first two games in the conference slate against NC State and Duke. They look to continue that streak at home on Wednesday night against the defending national champions, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels are currently ranked as the No. 22 team in the country. Their overall record is 7-3 and they are 1-1 in conference play. They went on a six-game winning streak, walking away with three points from every match for nearly a month before falling 1-0 in a close match against Florida State University (FSU) last Wednesday. The go-ahead goal from FSU came almost an hour into the contest and the devastating loss has no doubt left the Tar Heels even hungrier for a ranked win. UNC has played four games against opponents currently ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll and only pulled out one win in those contests. Their offense has scored 26 goals so far this season for an average of 2.6 goals per game. Junior Olivia Thomas is their top goalscorer, finding the back of the net eight times. In her sophomore season she earned the honor of 2024 NCAA College Cup Most Outstanding Offensive Player and was also named to the 2024 NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team.
The Fighting Irish have proven that they can compete with any opponent that comes their way and have earned the No. 1 spot in TopDrawerSoccer’s rankings and No. 2 by the United Soccer Coaches this week. Their record sits at an impressive 7-0-1. With 27 goals in this 2025 season, 26 have been assisted, showcasing undeniable team chemistry and unbelievable vision through the field. Their 3.38 goals per game certainly puts opposing defenses on notice. The Irish come into this week on a six-game winning stretch, looking to carry the momentum.
Top goalscorers, sophomore forwards Izzy Engle and Annabelle Chukwu, have been automatic this season, collecting eight and seven goals, respectively. Unafraid to get physical in front of the goal, they are a challenge every defense will have to bring their best against. Cementing herself as a skilled passer, sophomore midfielder Grace Restovich is leading the team with five assists. And rounding out the phenomenal play from the sophomore class is goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica. Facing 28 shots on goal, she has made 21 saves and even posted four shutouts in a row against Cincinnati, Michigan, Oakland and Michigan State.
The energy at Alumni Stadium has been electric as the Irish have yet to drop any points at home. As fans continue to pack the stands in support of a top Irish team and in celebration of the Cheer Her Name campaign honoring 50 years of women’s varsity athletics, it will be difficult for the Tar Heels to drown out the noise of the home crowd’s support. Overall, the match will be a gritty one with the Irish fighting to keep their top spot and the Tar Heels searching for redemption after their loss.
