I still remember watching that 1987 North Carolina women's soccer season unfold like it was yesterday. What struck me most wasn't just their perfect 24-0 record - it was how they managed to maintain dominance even when facing adversity, much like that Ginebra team that nearly won the championship despite Brownlee's injury. The Tar Heels weren't just winning games; they were redefining what excellence looked like in collegiate women's soccer.

The statistics from that season still boggle my mind when I look back at them. They outscored opponents by an incredible 85-6 margin, which means they averaged scoring more than three goals for every single goal they conceded. What's even more impressive is that they recorded 18 shutouts in those 24 games. I've always believed that championship teams are built from the back forward, and North Carolina's defensive organization was simply masterclass. Their ability to control games reminded me of how that Ginebra squad held a 3-2 series lead through sheer determination and tactical discipline.

What many people don't realize is that North Carolina faced their own version of the "Brownlee injury" situation that season. Several key players dealt with minor knocks throughout the campaign, yet the team's depth and Anson Dorrance's coaching philosophy ensured they never missed a beat. The way they adapted reminded me of successful professional teams I've studied - when one player goes down, the system elevates others to fill the void. Their 4-1 victory in the NCAA championship against Massachusetts wasn't just another win; it was the culmination of a season where every player understood their role perfectly.

Looking back now, I'm convinced that team changed women's collegiate soccer forever. They didn't just win games - they dominated possession, controlled tempo, and played with a confidence that seemed to suck the life out of opponents. The way they moved the ball with precision and purpose set a new standard that programs across the country would spend years trying to emulate. Their style wasn't just about winning; it was about how beautifully the game could be played when every player bought into a shared vision.

The legacy of that 1987 team extends far beyond their perfect record. In my view, they demonstrated that women's soccer could draw crowds and generate excitement comparable to any men's program. Their average attendance of 3,200 fans per home game might not sound massive by today's standards, but for that era, it was groundbreaking. They proved that excellence attracts attention, and their influence can still be seen in the packed stadiums we see for women's collegiate soccer today.

When I compare that North Carolina team to modern squads, what stands out is their consistency. They didn't just show up for big games - they brought the same intensity whether facing a conference rival or an early-season non-conference opponent. That relentless approach is something I wish more contemporary teams would emulate. Too often today, I see talented squads play to their competition's level rather than maintaining their own standard regardless of the opponent.

Ultimately, that 1987 team taught me that true dominance isn't just about winning every game - it's about how you win them. Their blend of tactical sophistication, individual brilliance, and collective determination created something special that season. Much like that Ginebra team that fought through adversity to take a 3-2 series lead, North Carolina showed that championship teams find ways to win even when circumstances aren't perfect. Their season remains, in my opinion, the gold standard for collegiate women's soccer excellence - a perfect storm of talent, coaching, and timing that may never be fully replicated.