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You Won’t Believe What’s at Stake in the Saint Louis vs. NC State Soccer Semifinal—Find Out Now!

Staff

Staff

1 week ago · Updated 1 week ago

In a historic clash, the No. 15 NC State Wolfpack will face the Saint Louis Billikens in the Men’s College Cup semifinals, marking the first time both programs have reached this prestigious stage in the 21st century. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it represents their fifth overall meeting, with the last encounter dating back to 2007.

No. 15 NC State (15-2-4)

For NC State, this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a 35-year absence from the Men’s College Cup, they have made a triumphant return, showcasing their resilience and determination. The Wolfpack suffered a setback in the second round of the ACC tournament, losing to Syracuse, which marked only their second loss overall this season. However, they rebounded with impressive authority in the NCAA tournament. Following a first-round bye, NC State secured 2-0 victories against Marshall and UNC Greensboro in the second and third rounds, respectively. They then faced a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals against No. 7 Georgetown, emerging victorious with a thrilling 3-2 win.

The match against Georgetown was a whirlwind, with all five goals scored within the first 37 minutes, including an explosive three goals in just three minutes. The pace slowed dramatically afterward, with neither team able to find the net for the remainder of the match. This victory not only marked NC State's 15th win of the season—tying their record for most wins in a single season since 1990—but also positioned them just one step away from their first Men’s College Cup final.

Saint Louis (13-2-8)

Saint Louis, on the other hand, is making its 17th appearance in the College Cup and its first since 1997, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history. Their path to Cary has been characterized by narrow victories, with no single win in the postseason exceeding a one-goal margin. The Billikens began their journey with a 2-1 win over Kentucky, followed by a stunning upset against No. 6 Indiana, where they emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. In a nail-biting third-round match against No. 11 Bryant, the teams ended regulation tied at 2-2. After two scoreless overtimes, goalkeeper Jeremi Abonnel made the decisive save in the penalty shootout, sending Saint Louis through to the quarterfinals.

They continued their impressive run by defeating No. 14 Akron, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the first half to clinch a 3-2 victory and extend their unbeaten streak to 14 games. A win against NC State would propel Saint Louis to the finals for the first time since 1974, a feat that would be monumental for a program with a rich history.

As both teams prepare for this pivotal semifinal, fans can expect a fiercely competitive match, with NC State aiming to capitalize on their historic season and Saint Louis looking to build upon their underdog narrative. The stakes could not be higher, as both programs vie for a chance at the ultimate prize in college soccer.

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