The Shocking Upsets of the 2025 NCAA DI Women's Soccer Tournament—Are You Ready to Be Surprised?

On November 15, 2025, the NCAA Division I women’s soccer tournament kicked off, marking the start of a thrilling journey for 64 teams vying for the coveted national title. This year's bracket was revealed during a live selection show held on November 10, where the excitement of fans and players alike filled the digital airwaves on NCAA.com.
The structure of this championship allows both automatic qualifiers and at-large bids to compete. Out of the 64 teams, 30 earned automatic spots by winning their respective conference championships, while the remaining 34 were selected at-large by the Division I Women's Soccer Committee. Notably, 16 of these teams received seeding in the tournament, placing them in the prestigious Nos. 1-4 categories.
Upcoming Matches and Key Highlights
The tournament is already in full swing, showcasing some stunning performances. In the second round, held on November 20, notable outcomes included:
- No. 2 Duke defeated No. 7 UCF 1-0.
- No. 2 Michigan State secured a 1-0 win over No. 7 Wake Forest.
- Ohio State pulled off an impressive upset against No. 1 Notre Dame, winning 1-0 after two overtime periods.
- No. 1 Virginia triumphed over No. 8 Penn State with a score of 2-0.
- No. 2 Georgetown advanced past No. 7 West Virginia after a nail-biting penalty shootout (4-3) following a 1-1 draw.
- No. 3 Kansas defeated No. 6 Louisville 3-1.
- No. 3 Colorado emerged victorious against No. 6 Xavier, winning 4-1.
- No. 4 Washington edged out No. 5 Arkansas 1-0 in overtime.
- No. 5 Baylor claimed a 1-0 victory over No. 4 Wisconsin.
- No. 3 Florida State shut out Lipscomb, winning 1-0.
The tournament will continue to unfold with the third round scheduled for either November 23 or 24, leading into the quarterfinals on November 28 or 29. The intensity builds as teams strive to reach the Women’s College Cup, with semifinals on December 5 and the finals set for December 8.
For fans looking to follow the tournament closely, NCAA.com provides an interactive bracket to keep track of all matchups and results. The excitement of the tournament is palpable, as teams from across the country come together to showcase their skills and compete for glory.
Historical Context
The NCAA Division I women's soccer championship has a rich legacy, with the North Carolina Tar Heels leading the pack with an astounding 23 national titles. The dominance of this program is well-documented, and they continue to be a formidable presence in the tournament. Over the past decade, the championship has been contested by various teams, reflecting the changing landscape of women’s soccer at the collegiate level.
In the last ten years, champions and runners-up include:
| Year | Champion (Record) | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | North Carolina (22-5) | 1-0 | Wake Forest | Cary, N.C. |
| 2023 | Florida State (22-0-1) | 5-1 | Stanford | Cary, N.C. |
| 2022 | UCLA (22-2-1) | 3-2 (2OT) | North Carolina | Cary, N.C. |
| 2021 | Florida State (22-1-2) | 0-0 (2OT, PK) | BYU | Santa Clara, Calif. |
| 2020 | Santa Clara (10-1-1) | 1-1 (2OT, PK) | Florida State | Cary, N.C. |
| 2019 | Stanford (24-1-0) | 0-0 (2OT, PK) | North Carolina | San Jose, Calif. |
| 2018 | Florida State (20-4-3) | 1-0 | North Carolina | Cary, N.C. |
| 2017 | Stanford (23-1-0) | 3-2 | UCLA | Orlando, Fla. |
| 2016 | Southern California (19-4-2) | 3-1 | West Virginia | San Jose, Calif. |
| 2015 | Penn State (22-3-2) | 1-0 | Duke | Cary, N.C. |
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matchups, upsets, and unforgettable moments, all culminating in the crowning of a new champion. This year’s tournament promises to continue the tradition of excellence that defines NCAA women's soccer.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds, and be sure to catch the action live on NCAA.com!
You might also like: