North Carolina vs. Wake Forest: Preview, how to watch the 2024 Women's College Cup final

Two teams. One trophy. Both won five NCAA tournament games to get here, but each has a unique story defining what a national title would mean to the program. 

It's been a historic year for Wake Forest, which will play in their first-ever national championship match at just their second-ever College Cup. The Deaconss have had a remarkable 16-3-4 season, earning their first-ever win over a No. 1 team and directly after beating a No. 2 team — they became the first team in NCAA history to beat the No. 1 and No. 2 teams back-to-back. These feats come after an unsuccessful 2023 season where the Deacs missed out on the NCAA tournament after finishing sixth in the ACC. The team is made up of veterans who have worked hard to get the program where it is today. In his 29th season at the helm, coach Tony da Luz shared after the semifinal win over Stanford (1-0) how this team is like none other.

‘They want to make history for the program’ 🥹

Head Coach Tony da Luz on 's win over Stanford to advance to the national championship.

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer)

Then there's North Carolina. The Tar Heels will be playing in their 28th national championship, returning after a 2022 overtime loss to UCLA. Despite holding the NCAA record across all DI sports for most national titles (22), the Tar Heels have not lifted a national trophy since 2012, and the team is hungrier than ever. The Tar Heels have overcome their fair share of obstacles this season, starting with the retirement of head coach and women's soccer legend Anson Dorrance just days before the 2024 season opener. Interim head coach Damon Nahas, though, made sure the squad didn't miss a beat despite a majority underclassmen team and players missing weeks of play due to the U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup. And what a job he's done. 

TAR HEELS TAKE THE LEAD EARLY 🐏 x 🎥 ESPNU /

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer)

The Tar Heels are riding into Monday's final with a 21-5 record and offensive weapon Kate Faasse, who leads the nation with 20 goals after scoring a PK against Duke in the 3-0 semifinal win. Wake Forest is coming off a 1-0 semifinal win over Stanford courtesy of an Emily Morris floater in the 72nd minute and a massive save from keeper Valentina Amaral to keep the ball inches away from crossing the goal line and record her 7th shoutout of the year. 

As if these two ACC powerhouses weren't familiar enough, two of Wake's top players, Emily Murphy and Emily Colton, are recent North Carolina transfers. Whether it's North Carolina re-claiming national dominance or Wake Forest writing itself into history, Monday night's final will be a must-watch affair.