UCLA versus Virginia - November 28th - 8:00 PM
It is truly is a shame that one of these teams won’t make it to the College Cup this year. Throughout our coverage of women’s college soccer this season, these two teams have been the most impressive. Depth and experience are allies for both of teams. Virginia has the ability to play against a lot of different styles and remain unaffected. Rutgers tried to park the bus against the Cavaliers, which ended in a 3-0 drubbing with all of the ACC’s representatives goals coming in the second half. Kentucky then tried to play a fast paced game with UVA, which ended in a 7-0 drubbing. UCLA not only matches the skill and technique of Virginia, but their athleticism may be the difference maker. If there is a team that can match Virginia’s systematic and fast style of play, it’s UCLA.
Florida State versus South Carolina - November 28th - 2:00 PM
When South Carolina lost All-American goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo to injury in their first round match, the thought was that their College Cup hopes would likely be over. But replacement Abbey Crider has made the South Carolina faithful “keep calm and carry on.” The sub made a massive save with 15 minutes remaining in the Sweet 16 match against second-seeded North Carolina, landing another SEC team in the quarterfinals. Their first quarterfinal visit in the school's history will likely end on Friday as they take on powerhouse Florida State in Tallahassee. Florida State have yet to allow a goal in the tournament and seem poised to return to the College Cup to finish the job they failed in 2013. The Gamecocks will likely need a break or a penalty shootout to beat the number one seeded Seminoles, but we think their run will likely end at the hands of FSU.
South Carolina keeper Abbey Crider has been a star since replacing All-American keeper Sabrina D'Angelo. (Photo:@GamecockWsoccer | Twitter)
Penn State versus Texas A&M - November 29th - 8:00 PM
One of the more prestigious women’s soccer programs in the nation will have another opportunity to reach their first ever College Cup. The Aggies of Texas A&M have a chance to shed that reputation as they take on second-seeded Penn State on Saturday. A&M haven’t had trouble advancing to the quarterfinals. Their offense has been clicking as they have outscored opponents 14-3 in their first three tournament games. Kelley Monogue scored her second and the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute against Notre Dame to put the Aggies in the quarterfinals. The Aggies may thrive on offense but the ladies from College Station struggle on defense. They have allowed more goals than any other team left in the tournament. Penn State isn’t an offensive powerhouse, but they are worth keeping an eye on. We expect A&M to take care of business behind their three double-digit goal scorers, Kelley Monogue, Shea Groom and Bianca Brinson.
As long as Kelley Monogue keeps up her performance, the Aggies will be a contender. (Photo:@TopDrawerSoccer | Twitter)
Florida versus Stanford - November 28th - 10:00 PM
Rematch! Florida and Stanford put on one of the best games of the season back in September, which saw the Cardinal squeak out a 1-0 victory in overtime after a questionable penalty call. Two teams that pride themselves on possession will surely promote a great encore. Stanford have one of the best defenses in the nation with Maddie Bauer and Kendall Romine dominating their backline. The Cardinal are coming off back-to-back 1-0 victories in the tournament and if they were to advance against Florida, a scoreline similar to their previous matches wouldn’t shock us. The key for the Gators will be Savannah Jordan. The forward has been unreal during the tournament, scoring 4 goals and 4 assists in the tournament. She will be a key focal point for the Stanford defense, meaning someone from Florida will need to step up. Havana Solaun and Annie Speese will need to be those players.
Stanford will need to focus on Savannah Jordan. (Photo:@kanli | Twitter)
