Washington Men’s Soccer Claims First National Title in Dramatic Overtime Win
For the first time in program history, the Washington Huskies men's soccer team stands atop the college soccer world. On Monday night in Cary, North Carolina, the Huskies etched their name into the record books, defeating No. 15 NC State 3-2 in a thrilling overtime finish to capture the NCAA championship.
It was a night that had just about everything-early dominance, late drama, and a golden goal that will live forever in Husky lore.
A Fast Start, a Sudden Swing, and an Unforgettable Finish
Washington came out with purpose, controlling tempo and dictating play through the first half. That control paid off just before the break when Zach Ramsey opened the scoring in the 44th minute, giving the Huskies a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
Joe Dale doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute, and at that point, it looked like Washington might cruise to the title. But NC State had other plans. The Wolfpack responded just four minutes later, cutting the lead to 2-1 in the 66th minute and setting the stage for a tense finish.
Then came the gut punch: an equalizer in the 87th minute that sent the match to overtime, wiping out what had once been a comfortable cushion for the Huskies.
But Washington didn’t fold. Less than two minutes into the extra period, Harrison Bertos delivered the moment of the match-and the season. His overtime strike sealed the 3-2 victory and ignited a celebration years in the making.
The Road to Glory
Washington’s path to the title was anything but easy. The Huskies finished the season 16-6-2 overall and 7-3 in Big Ten play, but their Big Ten Tournament run was cut short with an opening loss to No.
16 Michigan. That could’ve been the end of the road-but instead, it was just the beginning.
Earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, Washington went on a tear. They took down Oregon State, then knocked off a string of seeded powerhouses: No.
5 SMU, No. 12 Stanford, No.
4 Maryland, and No. 16 Furman.
And finally, they outlasted NC State in the title match.
It was a gauntlet of a tournament run, and the Huskies didn’t just survive it-they owned it.
Putting It in Perspective
This championship marks a historic moment for the program, which had come close before-most notably in 2021, when they fell to Clemson in the final. But this time, they finished the job. For a team that’s long been respected in college soccer circles, this win elevates Washington to a new tier: national champions.
The victory also adds a new chapter to recent NCAA soccer history, following Vermont’s title over Marshall in 2024 and Clemson’s win over Notre Dame in 2023. Washington now joins that elite company, with a banner that will hang forever.
Around the Huskies' Campus
It’s a good time to be a Husky.
The football team recently wrapped up its season with a 9-4 record, capped by a win over Boise State in the LA Bowl. That game marked the final appearance for standout running back Jonah Coleman, who leaves behind a legacy of big plays and bigger moments.
On the hardwood, the Washington men’s basketball team is sitting at 7-3 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. They’ll return to action on Dec. 19 against Seattle University at Climate Pledge Arena, followed by a Dec. 22 matchup with San Diego.
The women’s basketball team is off to a strong start at 9-1, though they’re still looking for their first Big Ten win. They’ll hit the road for games against Stanford and Pacific before returning home Dec. 29 to face Northwestern at Alaska Airlines Arena.
Final Whistle
For Washington men’s soccer, this national title is more than just a trophy-it’s a culmination of years of building, believing, and battling. From a tough conference slate to a postseason gauntlet, the Huskies proved they belong among the best.
And now, they’ve got the hardware to prove it.