University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Somoano Agrees To Three-Year Contract Extension
April 20, 2026 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Men's soccer head coach Carlos Somoano has agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with the University of North Carolina, Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham announced today.
"Coach Somoano has done an excellent job with our men's soccer program, both on the field and off," Cunningham said. "Under his leadership, the program has been competitive both nationally and in the ACC, while the student-athletes have represented the University and athletics department in a first-class fashion. Coach Somoano has also taken a leadership role within college soccer and we appreciate his efforts in trying to modernize the sport. We're excited that he will continue to lead our program."
Added Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark: "I've been really impressed with Coach Somoano's track record of success on the field and in recruiting and developing the young men in our soccer program. He's used his wealth of experience within the game to serve as an outstanding leader, and with him at the helm, the future is bright for Carolina men's soccer."
During his 15 seasons as head coach for the Tar Heels, Somoano has racked up a career record of 185-68-55 and gone 65-31-28 in ACC play. Somoano's 185 victories rank second all-time at Carolina and his 67 ACC wins are the most for a head coach in program history. He has guided 14 of his 15 squads to NCAA postseason play and seven of those teams have reached at least the NCAA quarterfinals.
"It's an honor to serve as the head men's soccer coach at North Carolina and I'm thrilled to continue in that role," said Somoano. "With the help of great staff members and elite players, Carolina men's soccer continues to be one of the most competitive programs in the country. I want to thank Chancellor Roberts, Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham, Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark, the Board of Trustees, and everyone else that supports us and provides the opportunities we have to work with the young men in our program. I will remain committed to serving Carolina Soccer with ambition and pride, while expecting the same from our student- athletes and staff."
Somoano reached the summit of collegiate soccer when he led the Tar Heels to the 2011 NCAA title, becoming just the second rookie head coach in NCAA history to win a National Championship. He returned to the College Cup with his Tar Heel squad in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Overall, he's racked up 22 NCAA Tournament wins in UNC's 14 appearances.
In addition, Somoano has won two ACC Championships, four ACC Coastal Division titles, and an ACC Tournament title. He's coached two National Players of the Year, 19 All-Americans, four ACC Players of the Year, three ACC Rookies of the Year and 36 MLS SuperDraft selections or homegrown picks.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
"Coach Somoano has done an excellent job with our men's soccer program, both on the field and off," Cunningham said. "Under his leadership, the program has been competitive both nationally and in the ACC, while the student-athletes have represented the University and athletics department in a first-class fashion. Coach Somoano has also taken a leadership role within college soccer and we appreciate his efforts in trying to modernize the sport. We're excited that he will continue to lead our program."
Added Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark: "I've been really impressed with Coach Somoano's track record of success on the field and in recruiting and developing the young men in our soccer program. He's used his wealth of experience within the game to serve as an outstanding leader, and with him at the helm, the future is bright for Carolina men's soccer."
During his 15 seasons as head coach for the Tar Heels, Somoano has racked up a career record of 185-68-55 and gone 65-31-28 in ACC play. Somoano's 185 victories rank second all-time at Carolina and his 67 ACC wins are the most for a head coach in program history. He has guided 14 of his 15 squads to NCAA postseason play and seven of those teams have reached at least the NCAA quarterfinals.
"It's an honor to serve as the head men's soccer coach at North Carolina and I'm thrilled to continue in that role," said Somoano. "With the help of great staff members and elite players, Carolina men's soccer continues to be one of the most competitive programs in the country. I want to thank Chancellor Roberts, Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham, Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark, the Board of Trustees, and everyone else that supports us and provides the opportunities we have to work with the young men in our program. I will remain committed to serving Carolina Soccer with ambition and pride, while expecting the same from our student- athletes and staff."
Somoano reached the summit of collegiate soccer when he led the Tar Heels to the 2011 NCAA title, becoming just the second rookie head coach in NCAA history to win a National Championship. He returned to the College Cup with his Tar Heel squad in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Overall, he's racked up 22 NCAA Tournament wins in UNC's 14 appearances.
In addition, Somoano has won two ACC Championships, four ACC Coastal Division titles, and an ACC Tournament title. He's coached two National Players of the Year, 19 All-Americans, four ACC Players of the Year, three ACC Rookies of the Year and 36 MLS SuperDraft selections or homegrown picks.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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