UNC Women’s Soccer: Former Heels headed to World Cup Final

Several former UNC Women’s Soccer players have advanced to the final stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on team England.

On Saturday, former UNC Women’s Soccer player Alessia Russo scored the game-winning goal for England to beat Colombia 2-1 and propel her team into the semifinal round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

England advanced to face Australia with a spot in the final round on the line. There are currently four former UNC Women’s Soccer players associated with the England Women’s Soccer National Team. Three players, Lucy Bronze (UNC 2009, National Champion), Lotte Wubben-Moye (UNC 2017-2019), Russo (2017-2019), and the manager of the team, Sarina Wiegman (UNC 1989, National Champion and teammate of soccer legend Mia Hamm).

England has never made an appearance in the Women’s World Cup Final… until now when they beat Australia in the semifinal round 3-1.

Russo was very impactful in the game, first providing an assist to Ella Toone with a beautiful pass for the first goal of the game to put England on top 1-0 in the 36th minute.

England later led Australia 2-1 with little time left in the game and hoping to seal the victory. Russo once again stepped up for the Lionesses by scoring a goal in the 86th minute that put England up 3-1 and the game out of reach for good.

These former Tar Heels will play in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, August 20th at 6:00 AM Eastern Time versus Spain.

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