Louisville Women's Soccer Falls to No. 2 North Carolina in Narrow Loss

The No. 24 Louisville Cardinals women’s soccer team closed out the regular season Thursday night with a narrow 3-2 defeat against second-ranked North Carolina at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium.

Entering the match, a win would have sent Louisville to the six-team ACC tournament, but the result instead left the Cardinals sitting out of the conference bracket while solidifying the Tar Heels’ No. 2 seed. The loss marked the third consecutive defeat for Louisville following a program-record 13-match unbeaten streak.

North Carolina finished the regular season with a 15-2 overall record, with their only losses coming against No. 5 Michigan State and No. 4 Wake Forest. In Thursday’s finale, the Tar Heels outshot the Cardinals 18-8, propelled by a hat trick from Hope Munson. Munson opened the scoring in the 36th minute, added a second goal in the 63rd minute, and secured the game-winner in the 79th minute.

Despite North Carolina’s offensive pressure, Louisville twice battled back to tie the match. Junior Grace Maddox leveled the score in the 59th minute by heading home a corner kick with an assist from Betsy Huckaby for her second goal of the season.

After North Carolina regained the lead, freshman McKalie Ball equalized again in the 72nd minute by blocking a clearance attempt by the Tar Heels’ goalkeeper, sending the ball trickling across the line for her third goal of the season.

Louisville goalkeeper Brielle Baker recorded five saves, which included a crucial stop on an early penalty kick. Baker praised the defensive organization inside the box against a potent attack.

“I think we were super organized, and we took away the chances that they could have had when they were crossing in the box,” Baker said.

Although disappointed to miss the ACC tournament, players expressed pride in pushing one of the nation’s top programs. Reflecting on the effort, Maddox noted the performance served as proof that the team can contend with any opponent in the NCAA.

Liza Suydam battles for a ball against UNC — Photo: gocards.com

“It is a loss that we can walk away proud with,” Maddox said. “They’re No. 2 in the country right now, and it just proves that we can compete with anybody in the NCAA.”

Baker echoed that sentiment, noting that facing high-caliber attackers provides valuable preparation. The Cardinals (10-4-3 overall, 4-3-3 ACC) will learn their destination and position when the NCAA tournament bracket is announced on Monday, Nov. 9, during the selection show at 7:00 p.m.