Six Tar Heels Earn Spots on 2025 All-ACC Academic Team, Blending Brains and Ball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina men’s soccer program continues to prove that excellence doesn’t stop at the sidelines. Six Tar Heels - Riley Berge, Andrew Cordes, Dylan Kropp, John McDowell, Parker O’Ferral, and Bertil Rygaard Hansen - have been named to the 2025 All-ACC Academic Team, a recognition that honors players who’ve found a way to dominate both on the pitch and in the classroom.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about GPA. To earn this nod, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA over the past two semesters and throughout their college careers, be enrolled at their school for at least a year, and play in at least half of their team’s games. In other words, these guys aren’t just riding the bench or skating by in class - they’re showing up, putting in the work, and making an impact in both arenas.
Riley Berge: Defensive Rock With a Scorer’s Moment
Berge made his presence felt in 2025, appearing in 17 matches and starting the final 15. A staple in the back line, he went the full 90 minutes in 15 of those outings, helping anchor a defense that finished the season ranked 26th nationally in goals against average. His 1,406 minutes on the pitch speak to his consistency and stamina - and he even added a personal milestone, scoring his first career goal in a key moment against Memphis.
Andrew Cordes: The Steady Hand Between the Posts
Cordes wrapped up a standout career as a four-year starter in Chapel Hill, suiting up for 69 matches over his time with the Tar Heels, including every single game in 2025. His final season numbers?
A strong 0.830 goals against average and a .734 save percentage. Cordes was a key part of a defensive unit that posted eight clean sheets on the year, showing the kind of reliability and leadership every great team needs in goal.
Dylan Kropp: Defensive Anchor and MLS First-Rounder
Kropp’s 2025 season was the kind that turns heads - and earns hardware. A second-team All-ACC and All-South Region selection, he was also a first-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
He started all 20 games and played 1,825 of a possible 1,840 minutes - that’s ironman territory. His defensive work helped UNC hold opponents in check all season long, and he chipped in a goal along the way.
Eight shutouts with him on the field? Not a coincidence.
John McDowell: Clutch in the Biggest Moments
McDowell may not have logged the most minutes in 2025, but when the lights were brightest, he delivered. The midfielder appeared in 11 matches and was twice called upon during the NCAA Tournament to take penalty kicks - and he buried both.
That kind of composure under pressure is hard to teach. He also tallied a season-high 18 minutes in a match against St.
Thomas, showing his readiness whenever his number was called.
Parker O’Ferral: A Veteran Presence With Versatility
O’Ferral capped off a four-year career that saw him suit up in 56 matches, including 14 appearances as a senior. A three-time All-ACC Academic honoree, he brought both experience and flexibility, contributing on defense and in the midfield.
He logged 241 minutes this past season, with a season-high 42 coming against Virginia Tech. Whether it was locking down his side of the pitch or helping transition into attack, O’Ferral was a steady hand.
Bertil Rygaard Hansen: Offensive Spark Plug
Rygaard Hansen was a key part of UNC’s offensive engine in 2025, starting all 20 matches and finishing with three goals and four assists - good for 10 points on the year. He let it fly with 35 shots, 16 of them on target, and delivered in big moments. His brace against Virginia Tech and his one-goal, one-assist performance versus Lipscomb were highlights of a season where he consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.
This All-ACC Academic recognition is about more than stats or grades - it’s about balance, drive, and the ability to perform at a high level across the board. For these six Tar Heels, it’s a testament to their commitment to being complete student-athletes. And with that kind of foundation, the future - whether it’s on the pitch, in the classroom, or beyond - looks bright.