NC State Soccer's Historic Run to the Top

NC State's men's soccer team made history by reaching the NCAA National Championship match for the first time ever. They beat Saint Louis 2-1 in a thrilling game at First Horizon Stadium.

Record-Breaking Crowd

The stadium was packed with nearly 11,000 fans, the biggest crowd for a College Cup game in Cary since 2012.

Season Highlights

• Season Record: 16-2-4, the most wins since 1990.
• Key Player: Senior midfielder Carlos Santamaria played a big role, stepping in for Tyler Caton and playing 77 minutes.

Game Highlights

First Half

• NC State had 8 shots but couldn't score.

Second Half

• Handball by Saint Louis gave NC State a penalty kick.
• Goalkeeper Jeremmi Abonnel saved the penalty, his fourth save out of five this season.

The Winning Goal

• In the 69th minute, Calem Tommy passed to Isaac Heffess, who crossed the ball to Donavan Phillips.
• Phillips headed it in, making it his 18th goal of the season, tying him for the most goals in the country this year.

Senior Midfielder Taig Healy

• On fire, scoring in three straight games.
• Three of his four goals this season came in the NCAA Tournament.

Saint Louis' Goal

• Scored in the 81st minute after a foul and yellow card against Isaac Heffess.
• NC State held on to win the game.

Next Match

• NC State will play Washington in the championship match on Monday at 7 p.m.
• The game will be on ESPNU.