Washington Battles NC State in National Championship Match
The Washington Huskies are set to compete against NC State for the national championship in collegiate soccer. This monumental match will take place on Monday at 4 p.m. PT, as part of the College Cup finals in Cary, North Carolina. The game will be available for viewing on ESPNU, with live statistics provided by HuskyStats.com.
Washington Huskies’ Path to the Championship
Washington has made a comeback to the national championship match following a decisive 3-1 victory over Furman in the semifinals. The Huskies conclude the season with a record of 15-6-2. They achieved a notable second-place finish in the Big Ten regular season standings.
The Huskies are pioneers in the NCAA Tournament, as they are the second team in history to reach the College Cup after winning four games on the road. The first team to accomplish this feat was UMBC, which made it to the semifinals in 2014.
NC State’s Journey to the Finals
NC State comes into the championship match with an impressive record of 16-2-4, emerging victorious in their semifinal matchup against Saint Louis with a score of 2-1. As the No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack secured a first-round bye and subsequently triumphed over teams including Marshall, UNCG, and Georgetown.
Leading NC State offensively is Donavan Phillip, who has scored 18 goals this season, contributing to a total of 38 points. In goal, Logan Erb has been reliable, starting all matches this season and averaging 2.36 saves per game.
Historical Context
Interestingly, this match marks the first-ever meeting between the Huskies and the Wolfpack in their soccer histories, adding an intriguing dynamic to the championship clash.
Significant Achievements
- Washington recorded its second national championship match appearance in five years.
- The Huskies showcased formidable performances in the NCAA Tournament with five straight wins away from home.
- Richie Aman was named a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, further highlighting the team’s individual talent.
- Washington tallied 51 goals this season, the highest during Coach Jamie Clark’s tenure.
- Eight players received nine Big Ten awards, exemplifying the Huskies’ depth and talent.
Looking Ahead
As Washington prepares to battle NC State in the College Cup final, they aim to secure their first national title. With a strong offensive and defensive strategy, the Huskies seek to capitalize on their successful tournament run and clinch victory.
This championship game not only represents a significant opportunity for Washington but also exemplifies their evolution as a powerhouse in college soccer.
