In a dramatic overtime finale at WakeMed Soccer Park, the University of Washington Huskies captured their first-ever NCAA Division I men’s soccer championship with a 3-2 victory over North Carolina State. The championship match, played in frigid 25-degree conditions, concluded just 1:54 into golden goal overtime when Harrison Bertos delivered the title-winning shot inside the penalty area.
The unseeded Huskies established early dominance with a 2-0 advantage before NC State mounted a spirited comeback. Wolfpack striker Donavan Phillip ignited hopes in the 66th minute with an acrobatic finish for his 19th goal of the season – leading all Division I scorers and marking the program’s highest tally since 1982. The comeback gained momentum when senior midfielder Taig Healy equalized at 2-2 in the 87th minute, forcing the championship into extra time.
Phillip, who had previously scored four goals in the NCAA tournament and five game-winners during the season, was unable to provide another decisive moment. The Castries-born forward now faces a career crossroads with one year of eligibility remaining at NC State. Despite being selected 62nd overall by Colorado in last year’s MLS SuperDraft, Phillip indicated strong inclination toward returning to college soccer under coach Marc Hubbard’s guidance.
Reflecting on the emotional loss, Phillip acknowledged the departing seniors while expressing optimism about the program’s future: ‘I have one more year. I’m really feeling for those seniors that ended a little short, but they know they’re gonna leave the programme in a better place. I feel like there’s only up from here.’