UNC Women’s Soccer Faces Duke in NCAA Semifinals Showdown

In a thrilling culmination of a season filled with intense rivalry, the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils are set to clash for the fourth time this year in the NCAA College Cup semifinals. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a spot in the national championship game on the line.

This highly anticipated match will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.

The game promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, strategy, and sheer determination as these two powerhouse teams vie for supremacy.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The second-seeded Tar Heels will face off against the top-seeded Blue Devils in what is sure to be an electrifying match.

The game is scheduled to start at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET, following the conclusion of the first semifinal. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPNU, with commentary from Jenn Hildreth, Lori Lindsey, and Marion Crowder.

Game Preview: Carolina vs. Duke

This matchup marks the 56th meeting between North Carolina and Duke in program history, with UNC leading the all-time series at 44-6-5. The Tar Heels have a slight edge in recent encounters, holding a 4-3-3 record in the last 10 meetings.

This will be the first time in history that UNC has faced the same opponent four times in a single season, adding another layer of excitement to this storied rivalry.

North Carolina’s Impressive NCAA Tournament History

The Tar Heels have an unparalleled record in the NCAA Tournament, having appeared in all 43 tournaments to date. With an all-time record of 151-18-5 (.882), Carolina has secured 21 of the 42 NCAA titles, plus the 1981 AIAW title, for a total of 22 national championships.

This year marks their 32nd College Cup appearance, a feat unmatched by any other team, with the next closest being 14 appearances.

Key Players and Achievements

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

Kate Faasse has been a standout performer this season, being named a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Soccer.

She leads the ACC and ranks fourth in the nation with 19 goals and 41 points. Additionally, her seven game-winning goals top the league and rank fourth nationally.

Duke’s Road to the College Cup

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

Duke’s solid performance this season makes them a formidable opponent for the Tar Heels.

Previous Encounters This Season

The last time these two teams met was in the ACC Semifinals on Nov. 7, where UNC triumphed with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Linda Ullmark and Trinity Armstrong. This win marked UNC’s 950th win in program history.

The two teams have faced each other three times before in the NCAA Tournament, with the Tar Heels leading at 3-0. The last NCAA meeting was in the second round in 2001, a year when UNC finished as the national runner-up.

What to Watch For

The Tar Heels’ defensive unit has been stellar throughout the NCAA Tournament, limiting opponents to an average of 5.5 shots and 2.8 shots on goal per game. They have recorded three shutouts in their four NCAA matches, allowing just one goal.

This strong defensive performance will be crucial in their semifinal match against Duke.

Carolina’s offensive prowess, led by Faasse, will also be a key factor. Faasse’s ability to score and create opportunities will be essential in breaking down Duke’s defense.

The Tar Heels’ experience and depth, with several players having been part of the 2022 runner-up team, provide them with a significant advantage.

The Road Ahead

The winner of this highly anticipated match will advance to the national championship game, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. ET, also at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The championship match will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, ensuring that fans across the country can witness the culmination of this exciting season.

Historic ACC Dominance

This year’s Women’s College Cup is historic, as it is the first time in the tournament’s 43-year history that all four semifinal 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 other conference has such a dominant record, with no school outside the ACC having won more than two national titles.

Stay Connected

Fans can stay up to date with all the latest news and updates on UNC women’s soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

For more detailed information and live updates, visit the official UNC athletics website.

As the Tar Heels and Blue Devils prepare for this monumental clash, the excitement and anticipation continue to build.

This match promises to be a thrilling spectacle of college soccer, showcasing the best of what these two storied programs have to offer.

Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an unforgettable game.