CARY, N.C. – The Washington Huskies clinched their first NCAA Men’s Soccer title by defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack 3-2 in an exhilarating overtime match on March 27, 2023. Harrison Bertos scored just 1:54 into the extra period, securing the victory after Washington had earlier surrendered a two-goal lead in the second half.
This championship marks a significant achievement for the unseeded Huskies, who concluded the season with a record of 16 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws. Under the leadership of coach Jamie Clark, Washington made history by becoming the first team to win six road matches in the NCAA tournament, overcoming six seeded teams along the way. This victory comes in their second appearance in the finals, having previously lost to Clemson 2-0 in 2021.
The Wolfpack, seeded No. 15, reached the finals for the first time in the program’s history. Under coach Marc Hubbard, N.C. State aimed for its first national championship since the men’s basketball team triumphed in 1983, led by the legendary Jim Valvano.
Washington took an early lead in the match when Zach Ramsey scored unassisted with just 1:12 left in the first half, giving the Huskies a 1-0 advantage at halftime. This was only the second time this season that N.C. State trailed at the break. Ramsey capitalized on a misplay by Wolfpack goalkeeper Logan Erb, who failed to control the ball at the top of the box. This marked Ramsey’s second goal of the tournament.
In the 62nd minute, Washington extended its lead to 2-0 when Richie Aman delivered a precise cross to Joe Dale, who finished the chance. However, N.C. State responded quickly, with Donavan Phillip scoring in the 66th minute, assisted by Nikola Markovic. Phillip’s goal was his fourth of the tournament and momentarily shifted the momentum in favor of the Wolfpack, who entered the match with an impressive record of 11 wins, no losses, and 1 draw when Phillip scored.
The excitement continued as N.C. State equalized with just 3:28 remaining in regulation. Taig Healy netted the goal, benefitting from assists by Justin Mclean and Calem Tommy.
The match featured notable performances from both goalkeepers. Washington’s Jadon Bowton, the only remaining player from the 2021 squad, made five critical saves. Meanwhile, Erb recorded six saves for N.C. State, which had previously been the last team in the tournament to concede a goal.
The match took place at First Horizon Stadium under brisk conditions, with the temperature at 28 degrees. Washington’s historic victory not only highlights the resilience of the team but also marks a defining moment in the program’s history, setting the stage for future success in collegiate soccer.
