North Carolina wins 18th title

CARY, N.C. — Freshman Casey Nogueira had a goal and an assist Sunday to lead North Carolina past Notre Dame, 2-1, winning the NCAA soccer championship for the 18th time.

Nogueira helped get the Tar Heels on the board in the 18th minute with a perfect lead pass to senior forward Heather O’Reilly, who got past Fighting Irish goalkeeper Lauren Karas just outside the box and then scored past three defenders.

Nogueira added a goal two minutes into the second half off a cross from forward Whitney Engen to secure North Carolina’s 18th championship in the 25-year history of the Women’s College Cup.

It was the fourth time the Tar Heels (27-0-1) have beaten the Irish (25-1-1) in the title game.

The Tar Heels outshot the Irish, 20-9.