ACC Dominates: All Four College Cup Spots Secured in Historic Fashion

For the first time in the 43-year history of the NCAA Women’s College Cup, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has swept all four national semifinal spots. North Carolina, Stanford, Wake Forest, and either Duke or Virginia Tech (pending their Saturday face-off) are heading to Cary, North Carolina, for the College Cup. This unprecedented feat underscores the ACC’s powerhouse status in women’s soccer.

A Weekend of Drama and Dominance

Third-seeded Stanford kicked off the weekend with a commanding 2-0 win over fourth-seeded Notre Dame. Shae Harvey and Andrea Kitahata netted goals in the 25th and 50th minutes, respectively, securing the Cardinal’s 12th College Cup appearance. Stanford continues to prove its mettle, building on last year’s runner-up finish.

Second-seeded North Carolina followed with a nail-biting 2-1 overtime victory against Penn State. Bella Gaetino leveled the score with a stunning long-range strike in the 49th minute. Kate Faasse sealed the deal in the 98th minute with a powerful header off a corner kick, propelling the Tar Heels to their record-extending 32nd College Cup appearance.

Meanwhile, Wake Forest delivered one of the weekend’s most thrilling matches, taking down top-seeded Southern California in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Caiya Hanks opened the scoring for the Demon Deacons, and Alex Wood delivered an equalizer in the 80th minute. In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Valentina Amaral made two crucial saves, and Kristin Johnson’s final spot-kick sent Wake to its second-ever College Cup, its first since 2011.

What’s Next: Duke vs. Virginia Tech

The fourth and final spot in the College Cup will be decided on Saturday as top-seeded Duke takes on seventh-seeded Virginia Tech. Both teams are hungry to join their ACC compatriots in Cary, making this a must-watch clash on ESPN+.

ACC’s Historic Dominance

The ACC’s dominance in women’s soccer is unmatched. With 26 national championships and 32 among current conference members, no other league even comes close. This year’s sweep of the College Cup semifinals further cements the ACC’s legacy. Even in years past, the ACC has flexed its muscle, sending three teams to the College Cup in 2011, 2013, and during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

The Road to the Championship

The 43rd NCAA Women’s College Cup will take place December 6 and 9 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. Semifinal action kicks off Friday, December 6, with the first game at 5 p.m. ET and the second at 7:30 p.m. ET, both airing on ESPNU. The national championship match will follow on Monday, December 9, at 5 p.m. ET.

For fans and players alike, it’s not just about winning—it’s about representing the ACC’s unparalleled excellence on the national stage. As the College Cup kicks off, one thing is certain: the trophy is staying in the ACC family.