You Won't Believe What NC State Faces in the NCAA Men's Soccer Quarterfinals – Shocking Upset Ahead?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) - The excitement is palpable as NC State prepares to face off against No. 7 seed Georgetown in the quarterfinals of the 2025 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. This match marks a significant moment for the Wolfpack as they aim for their first NCAA College Cup appearance since 1990.

After a 33-year hiatus from the NCAA Quarterfinals, the No. 15 seeded Wolfpack are making waves in this year's tournament, reflecting the resurgence of the program under the guidance of head coach, which will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling encounter against Georgetown. The stakes are high, as both teams fight for a coveted place in the NCAA College Cup, scheduled for December 12 and 15 in Cary, North Carolina.

The 2025 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship has seen an impressive display of talent from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which boasts nine teams in the tournament—more than any other conference. Four of these teams secured national seeds: Virginia (2), SMU (5), Stanford (12), and NC State (15), all earning first-round byes. The depth of talent in the ACC is evident, with Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Syracuse also earning bids.

This accomplishment is not just a flash in the pan for the ACC. For the 13th consecutive season, it has placed the most teams in the tournament, and for the 25th year in a row, at least five league teams have received bids. The ACC's total of nine bids is tied for the second-most in tournament history, matching totals seen in recent years such as 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023, and just one shy of the record set in 2019.

Historically, the ACC has been a powerhouse in men's soccer, with teams winning 20 NCAA championships—11 since 2001. In the last four tournaments, three championships have been claimed by ACC teams (Clemson in 2021 and 2023, Syracuse in 2022). Eight active ACC programs have secured at least one national title, outpacing all other conferences.

The individual standout for NC State this season has been Donavan Phillip, who currently ranks second nationally in goals with 17. His performance has been instrumental in the Wolfpack's success, and fans are eager to see if he can help propel the team further in the tournament. In addition to offensive prowess, the Wolfpack's defense is hard to break, ranking second nationally in scoring defense at just 0.35 goals per game.

As the team gears up for this crucial quarterfinal match, the path has been anything but easy. NC State advanced to this stage with a solid victory over UNC Greensboro in the third round, winning 2-0. This win came after a series of challenging matches in the earlier rounds, showcasing the team's resilience and determination.

The tournament schedule has been intense, with gripping matches since the first round on November 20, where teams like Duke and Notre Dame showcased their talent. The Wolfpack's impressive performance in the tournament has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, adding to the overall excitement surrounding college soccer this December.

As fans across the country tune in to watch NC State face Georgetown, the significance of this matchup extends beyond the game itself. It symbolizes the growth and competitive spirit of college soccer, particularly within the ACC, and serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of the sport in American collegiate athletics.

With everything on the line in this high-stakes match, both teams will be looking to make their mark in history. As NC State seeks to secure its place in the NCAA College Cup, the determination of the Wolfpack could shine brightly on the national stage, making for an unforgettable night of soccer.