UNC Women’s Soccer Secures 1–0 Win Over South Carolina in Rebuilding Effort
Under the guidance of head coach Damon Nahas, the University of North Carolina women’s soccer team posted a 1–0 victory against South Carolina in an early‑season exhibition that served as a litmus test for a roster reshaped by the departure of eleven starters. The win, achieved despite a thin bench and a schedule that will soon feature nine opponents ranked in the top‑25, underscored the program’s determination to rebuild after a 13–6–2 season that marked the worst performance in school history.
The decisive goal came from sophomore midfielder Bella Devey, who capitalized on a well‑timed pass from freshman forward Amari Manning, whose own debut was delayed by a three‑game commitment to the U.S. U17 camp. Freshman Summer Denigan, a Hermann Trophy semifinalist transferred from Georgia, also found the net, while veteran goalkeeper Peyton Trayer and redshirt junior Liya Brooks split duties between the posts, leaving Coach Nahas still weighing his options for the regular season.
The match was played under unusually high temperatures, prompting the team to insert hydration breaks — a concession to the summer heat that contrasted sharply with the controlled environment of the Women’s World Cup. Such conditions added an extra layer of physical stress to a squad already navigating the rigors of a demanding non‑conference slate that includes fixtures against Fairfield, Arkansas, and Michigan State, as well as international friendlies in Dublin, Ireland.
Beyond the immediate result, the victory offered a glimpse of the depth that the Tar Heels have cultivated through a recruiting class ranked No. 1 nationally and a transfer portal class positioned at No. 3. Players such as Olivia Thomas, Kate Faasse and Linda Ulmark, who accounted for the bulk of last season’s scoring, have moved on to professional contracts in the NWSL, opening the door for a new generation to step into the spotlight.
Looking Ahead to a Tough Schedule
The upcoming season will test the team’s resilience, with nine of the first dozen games pitting UNC against ranked ACC rivals. While the ACC remains one of the most competitive conferences in women’s soccer, the Tar Heels’ coaching staff views the challenging preseason as an opportunity to fine‑tune tactics and build chemistry. The blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership, they hope, will translate into a sustained climb up the national rankings.