WASHINGTON - The 2017-18 academic year marks the 25th Anniversary of women's soccer at Georgetown University. As part of a planned celebration for the 25th Anniversary during the season, Head Coach Dave Nolan has been sharing his top-10 moments in the history of the program leading up to a celebration for the program on Sept. 30.

The No. 1 moment on Nolan's list takes us back to last November, when the Hoyas beat Santa Clara, 1-0, in the NCAA Quarterfinals to reach the College Cup for the first time in program history.

A goal from graduate student forward Crystal Thomas (Elgin, Ill./Wheaton Academy/Notre Dame) gave the Hoyas a 1-0 lead in the 76th minute. It was a lead they would hold on to as the team won its fifth-straight game and set a school record with its 20th win of the season.

"Having the opportunity to host an Elite Eight match up against Santa Clara for a spot in the College Cup was a thrilling moment for the program," Nolan said. "Our run to that point in time was incredible, beating Saint Francis and having to beat both Rutgers and Virginia for a second time was no mean feat. However, I sensed that this team was determined to keep this season going and were quietly confident of advancing.

The teams battled the windy and cold conditions in the first half, with neither getting shots off, but things began to open up in the second half. Still, Nolan was thinking the game was headed to overtime and penalty kicks.

"The game itself was a nervy affair but I felt we were much better on the day," Nolan recalled. "However, it was looking like PK's the longer it went on. Out of the blue they got a great opportunity and off a rebound in front of goal one of their players inexplicably knocked one wide and I think the team sensed it would be our day. Crystal Thomas scored an incredible goal late in the game and that was all we would need. I will never forget the joy on the faces of our players when the final whistle blew."

It was the highlight of a magical season for the Hoyas. GU lost to Southern California in the NCAA semifinals, but set program records for wins (20), shutouts (17) and goals scored (61).

"I thought back to my early days with the program and the hard times on and off the field as we tried to build a program the university and alums could be proud of," Nolan said. "It wasn't easy but it seemed like everybody associated with the program over the years was on the field that day. Easily my best moment in coaching and I was so happy for all our players, former players, administration and supporters."