CARY, N.C. (theACC.com) – For the first time since 2016, the final of the Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Championship was decided by penalties, as top-seeded Stanford prevailed 5-4 over second-seeded Notre Dame to claim the program’s first-ever ACC title and the conference’s automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament.

Appearing in the ACC Championship for the first time, the Cardinal became the first first-time winner of the conference title since Florida State captured its inaugural crown in 2011. Both Stanford and Notre Dame were making their first appearances in the final.

Stanford opened the scoring in the 29th minute when substitute Allie Montoya made a long run down the sideline and slipped a shot past the Notre Dame goalkeeper. The goal was Montoya’s first of the postseason.

Jasmine Aikey doubled the lead in the 47th minute with her second goal of the postseason. Aikey received a pass just outside the box and lofted a shot into the net to give the Cardinal a 2-0 advantage, their second two-goal lead of the Championship.

Despite the deficit, Notre Dame responded with two second-half goals to force extra time. Sophomore Izzy Engle cut into the Stanford lead in the 69th minute with her second goal of the postseason, and teammate Charlie Codd knocked in the equalizer in the 75th minute. Even at 2-2, it marked the first time since 2019 that the Championship final required extra time.

After neither team could find a game-winner during the extra 20 minutes, the teams went to penalties, where they were tied 3-3 through three rounds. Stanford gained the momentum when goalkeeper Caroline Birkel saved Morgan Roy’s attempt and Cardinal midfielder Mia Bhuta converted her kick to give Stanford a 4-3 advantage. Despite Irish midfielder Laney Matriano converting her penalty, Montoya had a chance to seal the win, but Notre Dame goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica made a stop to extend the shootout.

Looking to capitalize, Codd hit the post on the ensuing penalty, allowing Stanford’s Charlotte Kohler to convert the game-winner and secure the Cardinal’s first ACC Women’s Soccer title.

Aikey was named the Tournament MVP after scoring a goal in each of Stanford’s two matches on the week. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Kohler, Andrea Kitahata and Elise Evans. Notre Dame also placed four players on the team in Engle, Codd, Leah Klenke and Annabelle Chukwu. Virginia’s Meredith McDermott and Victoria Safradin, along with Duke’s Kat Rader, rounded out this year’s All-Tournament Team.

ACC teams now await the Selection Show for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, set for Monday, November 10, at 4 p.m. ET on NCAA.com. Last season, nine ACC teams made the field, and all four participants in the Women’s College Cup represented the conference.

2025 Ally ACC Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Jasmine Aikey, Stanford (MVP)
Charlotte Kohler, Stanford
Andrea Kitahata, Stanford
Elise Evans, Stanford
Izzy Engle, Notre Dame
Annabelle Chukwu, Notre Dame
Leah Klenke, Notre Dame
Charlie Codd, Notre Dame
Meredith McDermott, Virginia
Victoria Safradin, Virginia
Kat Rader, Duke

2025 Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Championship Schedule (All Times ET)
First Round (Campus Sites)
Sunday, November 2
at No. 3 Duke 1, No. 6 Louisville 0
No. 5 Virginia 0, at No. 4 Florida State 0 (2OT)
  (UVA advances 6-5 in penalties)

Semifinals
(Cary, N.C. - First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park)
Thursday, November 6
No. 2 Notre Dame 2, vs. No. 3 Duke 1
No. 1 Stanford 3, No. 5 Virginia 2

Final
(Cary, N.C. - First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park)
Sunday, November 9
No. 1 Stanford 2, No. 2 Notre Dame 2 (2OT)
  (Stanford advances 5-4 in penalties)