For the second time in five years, the University of Washington’s men’s soccer team has reached the national championship, set to face No. 15 NC State in the College Cup final on Monday night, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. PT. Fans can watch the match on ESPNU or follow live statistics at HuskyStats.com.
The Huskies advanced to this prestigious finale after a decisive 3-1 victory over No. 16 seed Furman in the semifinals. With a record of 15-6-2 and a strong finish in the Big Ten regular season, Washington’s performance has been impressive, making them only the second team in history to achieve four road victories in the NCAA Tournament, following UMBC’s success in 2014.
NC State enters the match with a solid record of 16-2-4, having recently overcome Saint Louis 2-1 in their semifinal. The Wolfpack secured a first-round bye and navigated through the tournament with wins against Marshall, UNCG, and Georgetown. Their standout player, Donavan Phillip, has contributed significantly to their offense with 18 goals and two assists for a total of 38 points.
This championship game marks the first-ever meeting between Washington and NC State. In their semifinals, Washington dominated Furman with a relentless offensive strategy, launching 24 shots throughout the match. The scoring opened in the 32nd minute thanks to Ramsey, with Hall providing the assist, and the lead was doubled shortly thereafter, securing the win for the Huskies.
Washington’s journey has been remarkable, overcoming a deficit in earlier rounds, including a comeback from 1-0 against No. 4 Maryland, with standout performances from Aman’s midfield play and defensive stalwarts like Bertos. Aman’s talent has earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, while Bertos has anchored a defense that registered nine shutouts this season.
The Huskies have been especially proficient in finding the net, leading the Big Ten with 51 goals this season, the most recorded under Coach Clark’s tenure. With the support of their talented roster, which includes players from across Washington state, the team has enjoyed significant success, highlighting their growth and stature in college soccer.
As the Huskies prepare for the championship match, they embody the spirit of resilience and teamwork, aiming to secure their first national title in program history. With the momentum on their side, fans are hopeful for a strong performance against NC State in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to their season.