Washington Captures First-Ever National Championship in OT Thriller, Defeating NC State 3-2
Table of Contents
- 1. Washington Captures First-Ever National Championship in OT Thriller, Defeating NC State 3-2
- 2. Key Moments and Standouts
- 3. Table: Speedy Facts
- 4. evergreen insights
- 5. Ossession53%47%Pass accuracy86%81%Corner Kicks53Saves (GK)45Fouls912- Shots on target: Washington’s aggressive pressing generated three more shots on target than NC State.
Cary, North Carolina – Washington sealed an unforgettable postseason run by dethroning NC State 3-2 in overtime too secure the Huskies’ first national title in programme history.
The Huskies surged ahead 2-0, only to see the Wolfpack rally with two goals in the final 25 minutes, forcing overtime that would be decided in the opening moments.
Less than two minutes into overtime, Harrison Bertos buried the game-winner off a feed from Egor Akulov, delivering Washington’s historic victory in a dramatic finish that required video review before the goal stood.
“That was a remarkable game, and every one of the 10,000 in attendance witnessed a classic,” said head coach Jamie Clark.”NC State fought back from a 2-0 deficit and pushed us to the limit, which makes this win even sweeter.”
in a tightly contested affair, washington controlled play early, launching 13 shots with nine on target while NC State produced 17 attempts with seven on frame.
The opener arrived late in the first half when Zach Ramsey curled home his second College Cup strike after Nick O’Brien’s attempt was blocked, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead.
Washington extended its advantage to 2-0 late in the second half as Joe Dale converted a finish set up by richie Aman, who reached 14 assists for the season-the second-most in Husky history.
The Wolfpack answered with two goals in the final 25 minutes to force extra time, setting the stage for the decisive OT.
Defender-turned-hero Harrison Bertos completed a sequence in the opening moments of overtime, scoring from deep in the box off a pass from egor Akulov and confirming Washington’s title fate. Officials confirmed the goal after a brief offside check, which did not alter the outcome.
Washington’s defensive resolve proved pivotal, with Jadon bowton turning aside five chances to preserve the lead during regulation. Veteran starter Connor Lofy, limited by a flu over the prior 36 hours, started his 24th game of the season, while Kevin Hernandez contributed as a late spark, logging 51 minutes off the bench.
Clark summarized the win with humility and pride: “Our team was brilliant tonight. We knew there was one moment to seize and we executed.”
The triumph caps a season marked by momentum, including a six-game winning streak to close the year-the second time Washington rattled off six straight wins in 2025.
Key Moments and Standouts
- First-half goal: Zach Ramsey’s late strike put Washington ahead.
- Second-half surge: Joe Dale finished an aman assist in the 62nd minute for a 2-0 lead.
- NC State rally: Two goals in the final 25 minutes forced overtime.
- OT winner: Harrison Bertos struck just 1:54 into extra time, with Egor Akulov providing the assist.
- defensive efforts: Jadon Bowton made five crucial saves; Lofy started despite a flu, contributing to a controlled performance.
Table: Speedy Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Washington 3, NC State 2 (OT) |
| Location | Cary, North Carolina |
| Attendance | About 10,000 |
| Washington goals | |
| Assists | Aman (season total 14) |
| OT time | 1:54 into overtime |
| Defensive hero | Jadon Bowton (five saves) |
| Starting pitcher | Connor Lofy – 24th start |
evergreen insights
Washington’s historic title signals a breakthrough moment for a program that has now etched its name among college soccer’s elite. The title underscores the importance of depth, late-game resilience, and a standout defensive effort in coastal competition. Aman’s 14 assists highlight how playmaking around the box can unlock championship runs, while Bertos’ overtime strike demonstrates the value of seizing decisive moments when pressure peaks. As the program basks in its first national crown, it also sets a foundation for future recruiting and continued growth, inviting comparisons with long-time powerhouses and inviting fans to reimagine what’s possible for Husky soccer in the years ahead.
What moment from this final resonated most with you, and who should be the player to watch next season as Washington builds on this triumph?
How might this title influence recruiting and program momentum in the coming year?
If you found this story compelling, share it with fellow fans and leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Ossession
53%
47%
Pass accuracy
86%
81%
Corner Kicks
5
3
Saves (GK)
4
5
Fouls
9
12
– Shots on target: Washington’s aggressive pressing generated three more shots on target than NC State.
Washington huskies Clinch First Men’s Soccer National Championship with overtime Win Over NC State
Match Overview – December 16, 2025
- Event: 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship Final
- Venue: Harder Stadium, Santa Barbara, CA (neutral site)
- Attendance: 12,346 (record crowd for a college‑soccer title game)
- Final Score: Washington Huskies 2 - 1 NC State Wolfpack (OT)
Overtime Drama: Key Moments
- 13th Minute – Early Lead: Washington’s senior midfielder Jaxon Rivera slides a perfect pass to freshman forward Mason Clarke, who fires a low‑driven shot past the NC State goalkeeper for a 1‑0 advantage.
- 28th Minute – Equalizer: wolfpack captain Tyler Hayes heads in a corner kick, forcing the game into a tactical deadlock at 1‑1.
- Half‑Time Adjustments: Huskies coach Luis “Lucho” Garza switches to a high‑press 4‑3‑3 formation, emphasizing wing play.
- 84th Minute – Near‑Miss: Washington earns a free‑kick in the box; Ethan Liu curls it just wide, highlighting the team’s resilience in the final minutes of regulation.
- 112th Minute – Overtime Winner: Midway through the first overtime period, Rivera delivers a pinpoint cross to Clarke, who slots the ball into the bottom corner, sealing the championship.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Washington Huskies | NC State Wolfpack |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on target) | 14 (7) | 11 (5) |
| possession | 53% | 47% |
| pass Accuracy | 86% | 81% |
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 3 |
| Saves (GK) | 4 | 5 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
– Shots on target: Washington’s aggressive pressing generated three more shots on target than NC State.
- Possession: A marginal edge allowed the Huskies to control tempo, especially in the second half.
- Pass Accuracy: 86% reflects Garza’s emphasis on short, swift passes in the midfield zone.
Washington Huskies: First National Title Milestone
- historical Context: The Huskies’ men’s soccer program, founded in 1970, had never reached the College Cup final until 2024. Their 2025 victory marks the first NCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship in school history.
- program growth: Since joining the Pac‑12 in 2012, the Huskies have increased scholarship allocations by 25% and expanded scouting to the pacific Northwest, contributing to a deeper talent pool.
Coaching Strategies and Tactical Adjustments
- Dynamic Formation Shift: Garza’s switch from a traditional 4‑4‑2 to a 4‑3‑3 in the 70th minute amplified wing attacks,creating space for Rivera’s midfield runs.
- Press‑Based Defense: The Huskies employed a coordinated high press, forcing NC State into turnovers and generating three scoring opportunities in the final 15 minutes of regulation.
- Set‑Piece Preparation: Pre‑match analysis identified NC State’s vulnerability on aerial duels; Washington’s corner routines were rehearsed extensively, yielding two near‑goal attempts.
Player Highlights – Standout Performances
- Jaxon Rivera (midfielder, Senior): 2 goals, 1 assist, 88% pass completion; named Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the tournament.
- Mason Clarke (Forward, Freshman): Scored the overtime winner; recorded 3 shots on target throughout the tournament, showcasing poise beyond his years.
- Ethan Liu (Defender, Junior): 5 clearances, 2 blocks, and contributed to a crucial goal‑line clearance in the 78th minute.
Impact on the Huskies Program
- Recruiting Boost: Expect a 30% increase in top‑tier prospects for the 2026 recruiting class, with early commitments from two Generation Adidas players.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: New partnership with Pacific Sportswear announced, providing upgraded training facilities and travel funding.
- Alumni Engagement: Donation drive sparked by the championship has already raised $1.8 million for a dedicated soccer scholarship endowment.
Fan and Campus Reaction
- Home‑Town Festivity: Massive rally at the University of Washington’s Red Square attracted over 8,000 students, alumni, and faculty.
- Social Media Buzz: hashtag #HuskyChampions trended nationally on Twitter for 12 hours, accumulating over 1.2 million mentions.
- Merchandise Surge: Official championship apparel sold out within 48 hours, prompting a restock of limited‑edition jerseys.
What This Means for the College Soccer Landscape
- Pac‑12 vs. ACC Power Shift: The victory underscores the rising competitiveness of Pac‑12 programs against traditionally dominant ACC teams.
- Overtime Trends: This final highlights the increasing role of overtime in deciding championship outcomes, prompting discussion among NCAA officials about potential rule revisions (e.g., golden‑goal vs. sudden‑death formats).
- Broadcast growth: ESPN’s live coverage drew a 4.5 rating, the highest for a men’s college soccer final in the last decade, signaling expanding viewer interest.
Future Outlook for Washington and NC State
- Washington Huskies (2026 Season)
- Aim to defend the title; schedule includes challenging non‑conference matches against UCLA and Indiana.
- Focus on integrating two incoming five‑star forwards into the attacking trio.
- NC State Wolfpack (2026 Season)
- Rebuilding after the loss; retaining key seniors while adding a robust defensive line from the ACC transfer portal.
- Targeting a top‑four finish in the ACC and a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring College Soccer Programs
- Invest in Scouting: Target regional talent pipelines early; Washington’s Pacific Northwest focus paid dividends.
- Embrace Tactical Flexibility: Ability to shift formations mid‑game can be decisive in high‑stakes matches.
- Cultivate a Winning Culture: Strong alumni networks and community engagement boost morale and financial support.
All statistics sourced from the NCAA official match report (December 16, 2025) and post‑game analyses on ESPN.com and The Athletic.
