Will This Underdog Team Shock Everyone at the 2025 Women’s College Cup? You Won't Believe Who’s In!

As the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship approaches, all eyes are on the four teams vying for a coveted spot in the final: Florida State, Duke, Stanford, and TCU. These semifinal matches are set to take place this Friday evening at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination.

With three of the four semifinalists hailing from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)—Florida State, Duke, and Stanford—this tournament reflects the conference’s dominance in women’s soccer. TCU, representing the Big 12, is eager to disrupt that narrative and seize the moment.

The Matchup: Florida State vs. TCU

In one of the key matches, #3 seed Florida State will face off against #2 seed TCU. Florida State is on a quest for its fifth national title, having previously won in 2014, 2018, 2021, and 2023. This year marks their 15th College Cup appearance and 26th NCAA Tournament appearance, trailing only North Carolina, which was upset by TCU in the Round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout (4-3). The Seminoles are riding a wave of momentum, having defeated Ohio State 4-1 in the Quarterfinals and remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches.

Key players for Florida State include Wrianna Hudson and Jordynn Dudley. Hudson leads the team with 13 goals and one assist, showcasing her ability to find the back of the net. Dudley, on the other hand, has been pivotal as a playmaker, contributing 11 goals and 14 assists during the season, making her a standout during this NCAA Tournament.

TCU is making history as the Horned Frogs advance to their first-ever College Cup. Their strong performance this season includes a crucial 2-1 victory over Vanderbilt in the Quarterfinals. TCU’s roster boasts several standout players, including Seven Castain, a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, and fellow All-Midwest Team honorees Morgan Brown, Kamdyn Fuller, Cameron Patton, and Sydney Becerra.

Castain, a key figure in TCU’s success, has tied the single-season school record with 17 goals. Freshman sensation Fuller, who earned the Big 12 Freshman of the Year title, has consistently contributed with four goals and five assists, proving his worth to the team.

Stanford vs. Duke: A Clash of Titans

The other semifinal will feature a highly anticipated matchup between #1 seed Stanford and #2 seed Duke. Stanford enters this match as the reigning ACC regular-season and tournament champions, seeking their fourth national title. The Cardinal have been dominant this season, scoring a remarkable 95 goals and averaging 4.13 goals per match. This year marks Stanford’s third consecutive appearance in the College Cup and the 13th in the program's history.

Two players to watch from Stanford are Elise Evans and Andrea Kitahata. Evans has been a formidable defensive presence, earning accolades as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Kitahata has also excelled, contributing 17 goals and 10 assists, and has scored in three straight matches, making her a player to keep an eye on.

Duke, on the other hand, aims to claim its first national title in its sixth College Cup appearance. After falling just short in 2024, the Blue Devils are determined to reach the championship match again. Their recent 3-0 victory over 13th-ranked Washington showcased their strength, with key players Kat Rader and Mia Minestrella leading the charge. Rader has notched 12 goals and 12 assists this season, while Minestrella boasts an impressive 18 goals and six assists, contributing to eight of Duke’s nine NCAA Tournament goals.

Schedule and Viewing Information

The stage is set for these thrilling semifinal matches:

• Florida State vs. TCU
  Friday, Dec. 5 – 6:00 p.m. ET
  Where to watch: ESPNU
• Stanford vs. Duke
  Friday, Dec. 5 – 8:45 p.m. ET
  Where to watch: ESPNU

As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect high-stakes drama, skillful play, and the relentless pursuit of collegiate soccer glory. With so much talent on display, these matches will undoubtedly shape the narrative of women’s soccer as we know it.