Duke vs. UNC: NCAA Women’s Soccer College Cup Showdown

ByCoach

The Duke Blue Devils women’s soccer team is set to face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in a highly anticipated NCAA College Cup semifinal match. This game is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as two of the top teams in the nation clash for a spot in the championship game. With Duke entering the match as the top seed and North Carolina as the eighth seed, soccer fans are eagerly awaiting this showdown.

Duke’s Cinderella Season Continues

The 2024 season has been nothing short of a fairy tale for the Duke Blue Devils. Under the guidance of head coach Robbie Church, who announced his retirement at the end of the season, Duke has achieved remarkable success. The Blue Devils boast an impressive 18-2-1 record and have secured the top seed for the first time in program history. Their journey to the NCAA College Cup has been marked by stellar performances and significant milestones.

Key Players and Stats

Duke’s success can be attributed to the outstanding contributions of several key players. Mia Oliaro, a sophomore, has been a standout performer, scoring or assisting in 12 of the last 14 matches. In her college career, when she nets a point, her team remains unbeaten. Maggie Graham has also been instrumental, scoring two goals in each of the first two matches of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, a first in Duke’s history.

  • 12-win turnaround from the previous season
  • 52 shutouts over the last five years
  • 68 goals scored by 13 different players this season
  • 11 Blue Devils with two or more goals

North Carolina’s Strong Season

On the other hand, the North Carolina Tar Heels have also had a formidable season, entering the match with a 20-5-0 record. The Tar Heels have outscored their opponents 14-1 in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their offensive prowess. Led by Kate Faasse with 19 goals and three assists, North Carolina is a force to be reckoned with.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Duke and North Carolina have faced each other three times this season, with Duke winning two of those encounters. Maggie Graham and Hannah Bebar have been crucial in these victories, scoring four of Duke’s five goals against the Tar Heels. The Blue Devils have outshot North Carolina 32-31 in these matchups, indicating a closely contested rivalry.

Historical Context and Records

The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is steeped in history. Duke holds a 6-44-4 all-time record against the Tar Heels, with a 0-10-1 record in neutral site matches. In NCAA Tournament play, North Carolina has had the upper hand, winning all three previous encounters. However, this season has seen Duke achieve significant milestones against their rivals, including their first win in Durham and two consecutive victories for the first time in program history.

Coaching Milestones

Robbie Church, Duke’s head coach, is on the brink of a significant milestone. With 398 career wins, leading Duke to the NCAA Championship would mark his 400th victory. Church is also one of only three NCAA Division I women’s soccer coaches to take a team to the NCAA College Cup in their final season before retirement, following in the footsteps of Mark Krikorian (Florida State) and Clive Charles (Portland), both of whom won the NCAA title in their final seasons.

Scouting the Tar Heels

North Carolina’s offensive lineup is led by Kate Faasse, who has been a prolific scorer this season. Other key players include Bella Sember and Olivia Thomas, who have contributed significantly to the team’s success. The Tar Heels have a strong defensive record, allowing only one goal in the NCAA Tournament so far.

Key Matchups to Watch

The semifinal match will feature several intriguing individual battles. Duke’s Mia Oliaro, a former North Carolina player, will be facing her old team. Additionally, Duke’s assistant coach Carla Overbeck, a North Carolina alumna, will be going up against her alma mater. These personal connections add an extra layer of excitement to the already intense rivalry.

NCAA College Cup Appearances

Duke is making its fifth appearance in the NCAA College Cup, joining an elite group of programs with five or more appearances. The Blue Devils have a 3-0-1 record in NCAA College Cup semifinals. This year, for the first time in NCAA history, all four teams in the College Cup are from the ACC, highlighting the strength of the conference.

Defensive Prowess

Duke’s defense has been exceptional in the NCAA Tournament, with four consecutive shutouts. They have allowed only 14 shots, including four on goal, in four matches. The Blue Devils have outshot their opponents 92-14 and hold a 31-6 advantage in corner kicks. This defensive solidity will be crucial against a potent North Carolina attack.

Final Thoughts

The NCAA College Cup semifinal between Duke and North Carolina is more than just a game. It’s a culmination of hard work, dedication, and a testament to the strength of both programs.

As these two powerhouses collide, one thing is certain: the match will be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

For more details on this exciting matchup, visit the official Duke Athletics website.

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