UNC Women’s Soccer Faces Duke in NCAA Semifinals Showdown

In a thrilling showdown that promises to be one of the highlights of the soccer season, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels will face off against their arch-rivals, the Duke Blue Devils, in the NCAA College Cup semifinals. This highly anticipated match will take place on December 6 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

The game will determine who advances to the national championship game. With both teams having displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the season, fans can expect an intense and exhilarating encounter. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, ensuring that soccer enthusiasts across the country can witness this epic battle.

Match Preview: Carolina vs. Duke

The second-seeded Tar Heels and top-seeded Blue Devils will clash for the fourth time this season, making this match even more significant. The rivalry between these two teams is legendary, and this encounter on the biggest stage of college soccer adds another chapter to their storied history.

The match is scheduled to start approximately at 7:30 p.m. ET, following the conclusion of the first semifinal. Learn more about the match details here.

North Carolina’s Impressive NCAA Tournament Record

The Tar Heels have a remarkable history in the NCAA Tournament, having appeared in all 43 tournaments to date. With an all-time record of 151-18-5 (.882), North Carolina has dominated the competition, winning 21 of the 42 NCAA titles, in addition to the 1981 AIAW title.

This year’s College Cup appearance marks their 32nd, a testament to their consistent excellence. No other team has participated in more than 14 College Cups, highlighting UNC’s dominance in women’s soccer.

Key Players to Watch

Several current Tar Heels players were part of the 2022 NCAA runner-up team, including Maddie Dahlien, Tessa Dellarose, Makenna Dominguez, Emerson Elgin, Kate Faasse, Asha Means, and Bella Sember. These experienced players will be crucial in leading the team through this high-stakes match.

Kate Faasse, in particular, has been a standout performer this season, being named a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy. Her 19 goals are tied for first in both the ACC and the nation, making her a key player to watch.

Duke’s Road to the Semifinals

The Duke Blue Devils have also had an impressive season, boasting an 18-2-1 (9-0-1 ACC) record. This will be their fifth appearance in the College Cup, and they have shown their mettle by defeating No. 7-seed Virginia Tech 1-0 in the quarterfinals.

With a solid defense and a potent attack, Duke will be a formidable opponent for North Carolina.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

This match will be the 56th meeting between North Carolina and Duke, with the Tar Heels leading the all-time series at 44-6-5. Interestingly, this is the first time in history that UNC has faced the same opponent four times in a single season.

The last time these two teams met was on November 7 in the ACC Semifinals, where the Tar Heels emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, marking their 950th win in program history.

NCAA Tournament Tidbits

North Carolina’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by several noteworthy achievements:

• 32nd College Cup Appearance: This marks UNC’s 32nd appearance in the College Cup, including five of the last seven years.
• National Title Game Appearances: The Tar Heels have advanced to the national title game 27 times, finishing as runners-up on six occasions.
• Success as a No. 2 Seed: UNC has been a No. 2 seed 12 times before, winning five NCAA crowns as a second seed, including their last title in 2012.
• Semifinal Dominance: The Tar Heels are 27-4 all-time in the semifinals, outscoring their opponents 65-23.

What to Expect in the Semifinals

As the Tar Heels prepare to take on the Blue Devils, fans can expect a match filled with high energy, skillful play, and intense competition. Both teams have shown exceptional form throughout the season, and this semifinal promises to be a closely contested battle.

With a spot in the national championship game on the line, neither team will hold back.

Defensive Prowess

North Carolina’s defensive unit has been particularly impressive, limiting opponents to an average of 5.5 shots and 2.8 shots on goal throughout the NCAA Tournament. Three of their four NCAA matches so far have been shutouts, and they have allowed just one goal.

This strong defensive performance will be crucial in containing Duke’s attack.

Offensive Firepower

On the offensive side, the Tar Heels have been led by standout players like Kate Faasse and Trinity Armstrong. Faasse’s 19 goals and seven game-winning goals have been instrumental in UNC’s success this season.

Armstrong, who is up for U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, has also been a key contributor, showcasing her talent and potential.

The Road Ahead

The winner of this semifinal match will advance to the national championship game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 9, also at WakeMed Soccer Park. The championship match will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, ensuring that fans can follow the action as the best teams in college soccer compete for the ultimate prize.

A Historic College Cup

This year’s College Cup is particularly notable. It is the first time in the 43-year history of the tournament that all four participating teams are from the same conference. This guarantees that the ACC will secure its 26th women’s soccer national championship and 32nd among current membership. No school outside the ACC has won more than two national titles, underscoring the conference’s dominance in women’s soccer.

As the Tar Heels and Blue Devils prepare for this epic showdown, fans can stay up to date with all the latest news and updates. They can do this by following UNC women’s soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable match as these two powerhouse teams battle for a spot in the national championship game.