Duke vs. UNC: NCAA College Cup Semifinal Showdown in Cary
The anticipation is palpable as the Duke Blue Devils women’s soccer team prepares to face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA College Cup semifinals. This thrilling matchup will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
With Duke entering the tournament as the top-seeded team and North Carolina as the eighth-ranked and second-seeded team, this game promises to be a high-stakes battle between two fierce rivals.
The Road to the NCAA College Cup
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The Duke Blue Devils have had a Cinderella season, culminating in their fifth appearance in the NCAA College Cup. This year’s tournament is historic, as all four teams in the College Cup are from the ACC, a first in NCAA history.
Duke’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by impressive performances, including a 12-win turnaround from the previous season.
The Blue Devils have scored a school-record 68 goals this season, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Key Players and Stats
Duke’s success can be attributed to standout players like Mia Oliaro, who has scored or assisted in 12 of the past 14 matches.
Maggie Graham has been a consistent goal-scorer, with two goals in each of the first two matches of the 2024 NCAA tournament.
On defense, Katie Groff has been instrumental, leading Duke to 52 shutouts over the past five years.
- Mia Oliaro: Scored or assisted in 12 of the past 14 matches.
- Maggie Graham: First Blue Devil to score two goals in each of the first two NCAA matches.
- Katie Groff: Leader in defense with 52 shutouts over five years.
Robbie Church’s Final Season
This season is particularly significant for Duke head coach Robbie Church, who announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Church has taken his fourth Duke squad to the NCAA College Cup in his final season, making him the third NCAA Division I women’s soccer coach to achieve this milestone before retirement.
Both of his predecessors, Mark Krikorian (Florida State) and Clive Charles (Portland), won the NCAA title in their final seasons.
Coaching Transition
As Church steps down, Duke will promote associate head coach Kieran Hall to head coach in 2025. Current assistant coach Carla Overbeck will move to associate head coach.
This seamless transition aims to maintain the program’s success and build on Church’s legacy.
- Robbie Church: 398 career wins, aiming for 400 with a championship victory.
- Kieran Hall: Promoted to head coach in 2025.
- Carla Overbeck: Transitioning to associate head coach in 2025.
Duke vs. North Carolina: A Historic Rivalry
The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is storied and intense. Duke holds a 6-44-4 record against the Tar Heels, with a 0-10-1 record in neutral site matches.
In NCAA Tournament play, Duke is 0-3 against North Carolina, with their last encounter in the 2001 second round. This season, the teams will meet for the fourth time, a first in series history.
Season Encounters
In their three encounters this season, Duke has won two matches against North Carolina.
Maggie Graham and Hannah Bebar have been key contributors, scoring four of Duke’s five goals.
Duke’s defense, led by Leah Freeman, has been solid, with Freeman playing all 270 minutes in goal and making 11 saves.
- First Meeting: Duke won 1-0 in Durham on September 5.
- Second Meeting: Duke won 3-2 in Chapel Hill on October 31.
- Third Meeting: North Carolina won 2-1 in the ACC Championship semifinals on November 7.
Scouting the Tar Heels
North Carolina enters the semifinals with a 20-5-0 record, having outscored opponents 14-1 in the NCAA Tournament.
The Tar Heels are led by Kate Faasse, who has 19 goals and three assists this season. Other key players include Bella Sember with eight goals and Olivia Thomas with seven goals.
Duke’s Familiar Faces
Several players and coaches have connections to both programs. Duke sophomore Mia Oliaro attended North Carolina as a freshman, and North Carolina graduate student Olivia Migli is a 2024 Duke graduate.
Duke assistant coach Carla Overbeck is a North Carolina alumna, having won four NCAA Championships under Anson Dorrance.
- Mia Oliaro: Former North Carolina player.
- Olivia Migli: Former Duke player now at North Carolina.
- Carla Overbeck: North Carolina alumna and Duke assistant coach.
Impressive Defensive Records
Duke has been exceptional defensively in the NCAA Tournament, posting four straight shutouts for only the second time in program history.
The Blue Devils have allowed just 14 shots, including four on goal, in four tournament matches. They have outshot opponents 92-14 and hold a 31-6 advantage in corner kicks.
Defensive Standouts
Goalkeeper Leah Freeman has been a key player, recording three shutouts in the tournament.
Duke has not allowed a goal in the first half of their last seven matches, showcasing their defensive strength.
- Leah Freeman: Three shutouts in the NCAA Tournament.
- Defensive Stats: 92-14 shot advantage, 31-6 corner kick advantage.
NCAA College Cup Appearances
Duke is one of only 12 teams to advance to the NCAA College Cup five or more times.
Their impressive record includes appearances in 1992, 2011, 2015, and 2017. Under Robbie Church, Duke has reached the quarterfinals 10 times in the past 14 seasons and four out of the last five seasons.
Historical Context
Duke’s consistent performance in the NCAA Tournament highlights their status as a powerhouse in women’s soccer. With a 52-24-11 overall record in 87 tournament matches, the Blue Devils have established themselves as a formidable force.
Looking Ahead
As Duke prepares to face North Carolina in the NCAA College Cup semifinals, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would not only secure a spot in the championship game but also mark a fitting end to Robbie Church’s illustrious coaching career.
With a combination of offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and experienced leadership, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
For more detailed information on the upcoming match, visit the official Duke Athletics website.