Countdown to the College Cup: Four Teams, One Champion
And then there were four. The NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament has reached its most thrilling stage yet: the College Cup. With just four teams left standing, the stakes couldn’t be higher. No. 2 Wake Forest will face No. 3 Stanford in one semifinal showdown, while top-seeded Duke takes on No. 2 North Carolina in a rivalry that’s as fierce as it gets. Both semifinal matches will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of soccer.
Let’s break it all down, from the matchups to the history, and everything in between. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the drama, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s College Cup.
The Rivalry That Never Gets Old
When Duke and North Carolina meet on Friday night, it will mark the 56th time these two powerhouse programs have clashed on the pitch. Their rivalry dates all the way back to 1989, and it’s one of the most storied in women’s college soccer. The Tar Heels, with an unmatched 22 national championships to their name, are the gold standard of the sport. But here’s the catch: they haven’t hoisted the trophy since 2012. Could this be the year they end the drought?
On the other side of the bracket, Stanford is chasing its third national title since 2017. The Cardinal came heartbreakingly close last year, only to fall to Florida State in a lopsided 5-1 championship game. Meanwhile, Wake Forest is looking to make its mark as a No. 2 seed, hoping to upset the balance of power and claim its first-ever national title. The stakes couldn’t be higher for all four teams.
How to Watch the Action
Can’t make it to Cary, North Carolina? No problem. Fans can catch every moment of the College Cup live on ESPNU or ESPN+. Here’s the full schedule:
- Friday, December 6
- Semifinal: No. 2 Wake Forest vs. No. 3 Stanford, 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN+
- Semifinal: No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 North Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN+
- Monday, December 9
- National Championship Game, 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN+
For those who want to dive deeper into the tournament, check out the NCAA women’s soccer streaming hub for all the latest coverage.
Recent Champions: A Decade of Dominance
Wondering who’s been ruling the women’s college soccer world over the past decade? Here’s a quick look at the last 10 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer champions:
- 2023: Florida State def. Stanford
- 2022: UCLA def. North Carolina
- 2021: Florida State def. BYU
- 2020: Santa Clara def. Florida State
- 2019: Stanford def. North Carolina
- 2018: Florida State def. North Carolina
- 2017: Stanford def. UCLA
- 2016: USC def. West Virginia
- 2015: Penn State def. Duke
- 2014: Florida State def. Virginia
Florida State and Stanford have been the dominant forces in recent years, but with neither team in the final four this year, the door is wide open for a new champion—or perhaps a return to glory for North Carolina.
Where to Find More Coverage
If you’re hungry for more insights, analysis, and updates on the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament, head over to the ESPN college sports hub page. You’ll find the latest news, features, scores, and more to keep you in the loop.
Final Thoughts
The College Cup is always a spectacle, but this year’s edition feels extra special. With historic rivalries, redemption arcs, and the promise of crowning a new champion, the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament is must-watch TV. Whether you’re rooting for the Tar Heels to reclaim their throne, Stanford to finish what they started, or an underdog story from Duke or Wake Forest, one thing is certain: this weekend will be unforgettable.
So grab your scarves, settle in, and get ready for some of the best soccer you’ll see all year. The road to the championship ends here, and it’s going to be one wild ride.
Originally Written by: ESPN Staff
