I still remember watching that 1987 North Carolina women's soccer season unfold like it was yesterday. There was something magical happening on that field that year, something that would redefine women's collegiate sports forever. What made their dominance particularly remarkable was how they maintained their championship-caliber performance even when facing significant challenges - much like how Ginebra nearly clinched the championship despite Brownlee's injury, holding that 3-2 series lead against all odds.

The statistics from that season still blow my mind when I look back at them. The Tar Heels finished with a perfect 24-0 record, outscoring opponents by an incredible 85-3 margin. Think about that for a second - only three goals conceded throughout the entire season! I've followed women's soccer for decades now, and I've never seen anything quite like that defensive mastery. Their offense was equally spectacular, averaging over 3.5 goals per game while their defense recorded 18 shutouts. The numbers tell a story of complete and utter domination.

What really stood out to me was their mental toughness. They played with this incredible combination of skill and determination that just wore opponents down. Even when teams thought they had a chance, North Carolina would find another gear. I recall one particular game where they were tied 1-1 at halftime, only to come out and score four unanswered goals in the second half. That ability to elevate their game when it mattered most reminded me of championship teams across different sports - including that Ginebra team that nearly pulled off the championship despite their key player's injury. There's something special about teams that can overcome adversity and still perform at the highest level.

The coaching staff, led by the legendary Anson Dorrance, implemented a training regimen that was years ahead of its time. I've had the privilege of speaking with several players from that team over the years, and they all mention how the daily competition in practice was often tougher than their actual games. Dorrance created an environment where every player pushed each other to be better, fostering both individual excellence and team cohesion. This approach developed what I consider to be the most complete women's soccer team I've ever seen.

Their impact extended far beyond the field, honestly. The 1987 team didn't just win games - they captured the imagination of young athletes across the country. I've met numerous women soccer players who credit that specific team for inspiring them to pursue the sport seriously. They demonstrated that women's soccer could be played at an elite level with both technical precision and fierce competitiveness. The way they carried themselves, the quality of their play - it all contributed to growing the women's game in ways we're still feeling today.

Looking back, what I find most impressive is how they maintained their focus throughout the entire season. In championship scenarios, we often see teams falter under pressure - like when Ginebra couldn't quite close out their series despite holding that 3-2 advantage. But North Carolina was different. They treated every game with the same intensity, whether it was against their toughest rival or what should have been an easy matchup. That consistency, that refusal to underestimate any opponent, is what separated them from other great teams.

The legacy of that 1987 team continues to influence women's soccer today. Their perfect season set a standard that programs still strive to achieve. More importantly, they proved that excellence isn't just about winning - it's about how you win, how you handle challenges, and how you inspire others. Whenever I watch current women's soccer matches, I still see echoes of that 1987 North Carolina team in the way the game is played at the highest levels. They weren't just champions - they were pioneers who elevated the entire sport.