Knoxville, Tennessee, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In a stunning upset, the University of Tennessee women’s soccer team defeated the top-ranked University of North Carolina 2-0 in their season opener at Regal Soccer Stadium. Shae O’Rourke scored both goals in the second half, marking Tennessee’s first victory over a No. 1-ranked opponent. Despite dominating possession, UNC failed to convert their chances into goals, highlighting a historical moment for Tennessee, who improved their all-time record against the Tar Heels to 1-12-1. North Carolina will look to bounce back in their next match against Siena.
Tennessee Shocks No. 1 North Carolina in Women’s Soccer Season Opener
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee women’s soccer team achieved a stunning upset by defeating the No. 1-ranked University of North Carolina (UNC) 2-0 in their season opener on August 14, 2025, at Regal Soccer Stadium. This loss marks a historic moment for both teams as UNC became the first reigning national champions to lose their opening game since 2002.
In a match filled with competitive spirit, Tennessee’s Shae O’Rourke emerged as the standout player, scoring both goals in the second half. O’Rourke netted her first goal in the 56th minute after a critical steal from UNC’s Bella Devey, with assistance from Jenna Stayart. Ten minutes later, in the 75th minute, O’Rourke struck again, this time with the help of both Stayart and teammate Sarah Kate Rath, securing the victory for Tennessee.
Despite dominating possession and leading in shots with 14 attempts compared to Tennessee’s 7, North Carolina struggled to convert their chances into goals. The Tar Heels saw two early opportunities in the first half, but both attempts were halted by Tennessee goalkeeper Cayden Norris, who delivered standout saves that kept the match scoreless at halftime.
Caitlin Mara, a sophomore defender for UNC, and forward Olivia Thomas both had notable chances to score but were thwarted by Norris. The first half showcased a competitive battle for possession, yet neither team could find the back of the net, leading to an intense second half where Tennessee ultimately triumphed.
With this victory, Tennessee not only claimed its first win over North Carolina in program history, improving its all-time record against the Tar Heels to 1-12-1, but it also celebrated its first victory against a No. 1-ranked opponent. Their previous record against top-ranked teams stood at 1-9-1. The loss was particularly crushing for UNC, who failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities despite a strong performance overall.
Looking forward, North Carolina will aim to bounce back as they prepare to face Siena in their home opener at Dorrance Field on August 17, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Match Summary
- Final Score: Tennessee 2, North Carolina 0
- Tennessee Goals: Shae O’Rourke (56′, 75′)
- Significant Saves: Cayden Norris (Tennessee goalkeeper)
- Next Match for UNC: vs. Siena on August 17, 2025
Background Information
North Carolina has a storied history in women’s soccer, consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation and is known for its remarkable successes, including being the reigning national champions prior to this match. On the other hand, Tennessee has struggled in past encounters against top-ranked teams, making this win a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Tennessee defeated North Carolina 2-0.
Who scored the goals for Tennessee?
Shae O’Rourke scored both goals for Tennessee.
When is North Carolina’s next game?
North Carolina will play Siena on August 17, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Key Features of the Match
| Feature | Tennessee | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 0 |
| Goals Scored | O’Rourke (2) | N/A |
| Total Shots | 7 | 14 |
| Possession | Less than UNC | More than Tennessee |
| Next Game | N/A | Siena on August 17, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Knoxville’s Upcoming Week Features Festivals and Events
University of Tennessee Launches Revenue-Sharing Program for Athletes
Additional Resources
- GoHeels: Women’s Soccer Falls in Season Opener
- UTSports: Tennessee Takes Down No. 1 Tar Heels
- Daily Tar Heel: Tennessee Upsets No. 1 North Carolina
- UT Daily Beacon: Tennessee Soccer Upsets No. 1 North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Soccer
- Google Search: Tennessee Women’s Soccer 2025
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
