1,753 see 23-time champion Tar Heels beat the Wildcats 2-1
HIGHLIGHTS: No. 9 North Carolina 2, Arizona 1
TUCSON – Arizona Soccer battled No. 9 North Carolina in front of a program-record crowd of 1,753 Thursday night at Mulcahy Stadium, falling 2-1 to the Tar Heels.
The 1,753 fans in attendance marked the largest crowd in Arizona Soccer history, surpassing the previous program attendance record of 1,389.
Arizona (2-2-1) and North Carolina played a scoreless opening 45 minutes behind a strong performance in goal from Sofia Cortes-Browne.
Cortes-Browne came up with several stops throughout the half, including back-to-back saves in the 25th minute and another in the 30th. Her biggest stop came in the 41st minute when North Carolina earned a penalty kick. Cortes-Browne denied Scottie Antonucci from the spot to preserve the scoreless match heading into halftime.
Cortes-Browne finished with six saves while playing all 90 minutes for the first time this season. North Carolina finished with a 19-5 advantage in shots and 9-4 edge in shots on goal, while the Tar Heels held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Postgame thoughts from head coach Becca Moros after a 2-1 Arizona loss to No. 9 North Carolina.
Wildcats now 2-2-1 on season.#BearDownGoCats https://t.co/O3UhukOlpP pic.twitter.com/0Pif9Ny4ub
— Wildcats Radio 1290 (@Wildcats1290) September 4, 2026
North Carolina (4-1) took a 2-0 lead in 2nd half on goals by Summer Denigan, on a penalty kick and Bella Devey off an assist from Riley Kennedy.
Arizona’s lone tally came in the 80th minute when Lainey Swanson connected with Jessica Bedolla, who found the back of the net.
Arizona returns to action Sunday, Sept. 6 against Dartmouth at Mulcahy Stadium with kickoff at 1 p.m. Tucson time.
For more on Thursday night’s match, head on over to ArizonaWildcats.com.
Copyright 2026 Arizona Athletics. All rights reserved.
David Kelly contributed to this story.
