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Final: Washington 3 NC State 2
December 15, 2025
Cary, NC- The NCAA men’s College Cup finale at Wake Med Soccer Park in First Horizon Stadium commenced Monday night between 2 teams who were not expected to be playing for a national title when the tournament began. The Washington Huskies and the NC State Wolfpack found themselves meeting for the first time though with the College Cup on the line. The Wolfpack were looking for their first ever men’s soccer title in school history, while the Huskies were looking to rebound from their College Cup final loss in 2022.
The Quest for a Cup
Both teams got off to a very physical start with each each team accumulating more fouls than shots for much of the first half. NC State seemed to own the half for the first 40 minutes of the half and held the possession for the majority of the half. NC State would attempt to use the same strategy they employed in the previous contest against Saint Louis as they sought to wear down the opponent with their physical style.
The Wolfpack would have multiple chances to take the early lead with 2 shots just missing the back of the net. In the 20th minute, Riley Moloney would send a shot on goal that Husky goalkeeper Jadon Bowton would save to keep the game scoreless at 0-0. The Wolfpack did not waste much time on the attack again in the 24th minute, Donavan Phillip would send a rocket on goal that would force Bowton to stretch to the corner to force the ball over the goal. The shot made it past Bowton and hit the corner of the goal.
Huskies Strike First
The Huskies would counter in the 44th minute after Logan Erb made an initial save to take the first lead of the night. Zach Ramsey broke the scoreless tie with a shot straight on after the initial save was made. The Huskies strike would be a huge break in the game as the Wolfpack were seemingly in control for much of the match.
The Wolfpack would finish the half with 7 shots total and 2 on goal but were held scoreless entering the locker room. The Huskies would finish with 6 shots total and 3 on goal with Erb saving two of them. The goal signaled a huge blow to a Wolfpack team who had been held winless in matches that they did not score first in.
The 2nd 45
The Wolfpack came out in the second more aggressive on the offensive end as they found themselves in a 1-0 hole. NC State attempted to get the match tied quickly, however the Husky defense proved to be too stingy for the Pack. Desperation setting in, NC State’s aggressive attack would ultimately cost them another goal in the 62nd minute. Joe Dale would put in the net on the assist from Richie Aman. The lead would grow to 2-0 in a crucial time of the match.
NC State would respond with their first goal of the night from Donavan Phillip. Phillip redirected the ball from Nikola Markovic and cut the lead in half to 2-1 in the 66th minute.
Late Game Healy Heroics
NC State would not go away as Taig Healy would tie the game up at 2-2 in the 87th minute on an incredible shot. Healy, who has scored in every game in the tournament, pulled the Pack even with a rocket shot from the middle. Healy came to NC State with Coach Hubbard and has been spectacular all tournament for NC State. The two teams would finish out regulation trading possessions until time expired.
Bertos with the OT Dagger
The Huskies would waste only 55 seconds into the 10 minute overtime period to seal their first ever national title. Harrison Bertos netted the game-winning goal off a free kick that contained a potential offsides from the Huskies. The review would stand though and the game would be called in overtime.
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