Dec. 4, 1999
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – North Carolina, seeking its 15th NCAA women’s soccer title, will face Notre Dame in the championship game Sunday at San Jose State’s Spartan Stadium.
“This never gets old,” North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance said. “It’s always a lot of fun and we’re thrilled to be playing for another championship.”
The only time the Tar Heels (23-2) have not appeared in the 18-year history of the NCAA title game was when Notre Dame defeated them in the semifinals en route to the 1995 title.
Notre Dame (21-3-1) is making its fourth trip to the championship game, losing to North Carolina in 1994 and 1996.
In Friday’s semifinals, North Carolina beat Penn State 2-0, and Notre Dame edged Santa Clara 1-0.
North Carolina beat Notre Dame in its first game of the season.
“We’re a lot more organized in the back now,” said Notre Dame defender Kara Brown. “Maybe in that first game we were a little panicked.”
The Tar Heels have been extremely stingy on defense, allowing just 12 goals all season, including 17 shutouts by goalkeepers Jenni Branam and Kristin DePlatchett.
Freshman Kim Patrick leads North Carolina with 18 goals, but the Tar Heels don’t rely on one player. Anne Remy, Meredith Florance and Jena Kluegel have all scored at least 10 goals.
“We can’t look at it any differently,” said Notre Dame senior forward Jenny Heft, who has 20 goals. “Obviously North Carolina has a great defense. We have to break it down like any other game.”
Jenny Streiffer has 19 goals for the Irish, who have outscored opponents 98-22 on the season and have recorded 11 shutouts.
“They are wonderfully worthy opponents,” Dorrance said. “Notre Dame plays high-level, attractive soccer. You see strengths throughout their roster. Having them in the final brings luster to the event.”