The Emory University men’s and women’s soccer teams are gearing up for the Final Four of the NCAA Division III soccer tournaments after triumphing in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds on November 22 and 23. Both teams will be heading to Salem, Virginia, with the women’s team set to face Tufts University on December 4, followed by the men’s team competing against Trinity University the next day.
In a historic achievement, the Emory men’s soccer team has advanced to the Final Four for the first time. They earned this spot after a dramatic victory over Dickinson College, clinching the win through a penalty shootout after a tense 110 minutes of scoreless play. Sophomore defender Josh Ali contributed significantly by successfully converting the first penalty, a moment he described as beyond his expectations at the season’s start.
“I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me I’d be doing that,” Ali remarked, noting the team’s preparedness for high-stakes situations. Junior goalkeeper Geoffrey Halpern played a crucial role as well, recording six saves and achieving his team’s tenth clean sheet of the season. He attributed his performance to solid training with goalkeeper coach Felipe Quintero and emphasized the harmonious chemistry developed with the defense throughout the season.
Graduate forward Ignacio Cubeddu, the Eagles’ leading scorer, delivered the decisive last penalty kick for the win and expressed the gravity of the moment. “This is pretty much everything I’ve worked for,” he stated, reflecting on the opportunity to push the team towards a national championship.
On the women’s side, the team is returning to the Final Four for the second consecutive year and just the third time in the program’s history after a narrow 1-0 win over Pomona-Pitzer. Emory faced a formidable challenge, particularly during their Sweet Sixteen match against Johns Hopkins University, but they managed to overcome it with resilience and tactical discipline. Senior goalkeeper Sophia Garcia made crucial saves during both matches, showcasing her growth in confidence compared to last year’s tournament.
Head coach Sue Patberg reiterated the importance of meticulous preparation and the team’s adaptability. With decisive victories in their regular season against strong opponents, she noted that these experiences have equipped the Eagles for the challenges of the postseason.
As both teams prepare for their upcoming matches, they carry with them the hopes of not only advancing in the tournament but also of setting new standards for Emory soccer. The men’s team aims to make history by securing the program’s first national title, while the women’s team seeks to capitalize on their experience from last year to achieve greater success. The shared goal across both teams highlights a promising future for Emory soccer, as they strive to leave their mark on the national stage.