Soccer

UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Stadium hosted the first-ever friendly match between the national men's soccer teams of Mexico and Turkey.

The UNC Tar Heels beat Wake Forest's Demon Deacons 1-0 to earn the NCAA women's soccer national title. News & Observer contributing writer Shelby Swanson talks about Olivia Thomas' game-winning goal.

Jets coach Paul Cuadros and former player Octavio Hernandez talk about the challenges the predominantly Latino team from Siler City, North Carolina faced on the path to their big win.

Anson Dorrance leaves the sport as one of its most accomplished and decorated coaches. No coach in any NCAA Division I sport has won as many national championships as Dorrance’s 21, and he coached the U.S. National Team to its first Women's World Cup win in 1991. But his tenure of 45 seasons wasn't without controversy.

The Copa América soccer tournament semifinal in Charlotte last week was a unifying cultural moment for the region’s growing Colombian population.

Nike has regularly sold goalkeeper jerseys for the men's teams it sponsors, and the absence of Earps' shirt in stores became a bigger talking point when she saved a penalty in the World Cup final.

A furor erupted after Luis Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso at a ceremony. "It was an unacceptable gesture and Mr. Rubiales' apologies are not enough," the acting prime minister said.

Considering how well it all went – from tickets sold to the transformation of the facility – it might not be the last time big-time soccer pays a visit to Chapel Hill.

Artificial turf has improved dramatically in recent decades, though soccer athletes still prefer natural grass.

About 50,000 visitors are expected to be in Chapel Hill and Carrboro Wednesday for the 2023 FC Series game at Kenan Stadium.