8 of the Biggest Rivalries in NCAA D1 Women’s Soccer

October 9, 2023
By Mia Newman

Rivalry games often bring out the most entertaining sides of players. We have already seen some of our favorite college feuds battle it out on the women’s soccer field this year. Here are eight NCAA rivalries to look out for this season.

1. Duke vs. UNC

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These two North Carolina schools are both top women’s soccer teams and always provide a passionate game to watch. Duke was ranked No. 4 nationally by the NCAA before the season started, but they are now ranked at 37. UNC currently holds the number one spot in the ranks. On September 8, 2023, UNC beat the Blue Devils 3-0.

2. UCLA vs. USC

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The University of California Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, both Southern California schools, also hold top spots in the NCAA rankings. UCLA currently has the No. 5 position, and USC is at No. 15. The University of California Los Angeles will play at USC on November 5. The game will be exciting as UCLA was the NCAA champion, yet USC had beaten UCLA in 2022, 2-0.

3. Stanford vs. Berkeley

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Stanford and Berkeley are infamous for their competition and rivalry. Although Stanford is ranked significantly higher than Berkeley at No. 3, this does not diminish their competitiveness on the field. Berkeley will play at Stanford on November 3 after they tied in 2022.

4. Michigan vs. Notre Dame

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Although Michigan and Notre Dame are original football rivalries, the competition has trickled down to all of their collegiate sports. Michigan holds the No. 19 spot in the rankings, and Notre Dame is at No. 11. In their most recent nail-biting game, Michigan surprisingly beat Notre Dame by one.

5. BYU vs. Utah

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BYU and Utah are another passionate rivalry, especially since Utah has been added to the Big 12. Bringham Young University has had an impressive past few seasons and is currently ranked No. 7 by the NCAA. Recently, BYU predictably beat Utah 6-1 on September 9.

6. UT Austin vs. Texas A&M

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Known as The Lone Star Showdown, the University of Texas Austin and Texas A&M have been battling it out. UT Austin played Texas A&M in August and beat them 6-0. Both teams are not ranked highly this season. UT Austin is ranked 78, and Texas A&M is at 61.

7. Florida vs. Florida State

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Another famous football rivalry, Florida and Florida State, are two teams that differ in standing but always provide an entertaining game. Florida State is ranked No. 2 at the moment, yet when they played on September 10, Florida State only beat them 1-0, which created an intense atmosphere in the stands.

8. SMU vs. TCU

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A pair of Texas schools have proven to be rivalries with fun competition to watch. TCU holds the No. 35 ranking, and SMU is at No. 58. Some of the most fun games to watch are the close games. In August, TCU beat SMU 1-0 with a fairly equal game.