2022 NCAA Tournament Final Four Preview
One can only imagine the commitment, effort, blood, sweat, and tears that go into being a collegiate athlete. All extra work in the offseason, all the practices, and all the work that goes into being a team searching for greatness has now reached its endgame. The Final Four is a dream for any NCAA athlete that plays in a tournament format. Four games, four different chances to slip up on the way there make the classic adage “survive and advance” a moniker of any NCAA Tournament. The four best teams are here; let’s break down the incredible matchups from the 2022 NCAA Women’s Soccer Final Four.
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— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 27, 2022
#2 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #1 Florida State Seminoles, December 2, 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT, ESPNU
From a pedigree and tradition perspective, these two programs have the most but with a slight contrast. North Carolina, up until the past decade, has dominated the college soccer landscape, and in this past decade, Florida State has the most national titles with three. These two ACC titans will square off in a matchup of epic proportions. These teams played each twice during the regular season.
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The Tar Heels came from behind to beat Florida State 2-1 with goals from Tori Hansen and Ally Sentnor. However, in the ACC Tournament Final, the Seminoles would have their revenge with a nearly identical come-from-behind win. These teams both have a ton of talent in all areas of the pitch.
While Florida State’s attack is loaded with stars like Jenna Nighswonger, Jody Brown, LeiLanni Nesbeth, and Beata Olsson, their midfield star Clara Robbins is the key. When she’s able to do the dirty work, win the ball back and then drive forward and get the ball to anyone in their fast-paced attack, they are almost unstoppable.
Ally Sentnor and Avery Patterson are just as good on the other side for North Carolina, but experience in a game of this magnitude should be a factor. The experience and depth that Florida State has should carry them past UNC but don’t be surprised if this game goes to a penalty kick shootout, where Cristina Roque will get a chance to shine.
Prediction: Florida State Wins in PK Shootout (2-2)
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #1 UCLA Bruins. December 2, 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT, ESPNU
Alabama made history by reaching the College Cup for the first-ever time. Anytime a new school makes a breakthrough like this, it means everything to the program. The soccer program garners more attention than it ever has before. Their recruiting will improve, and the school will likely give more money to the program to make it function even better.
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This Crimson Tide team is deep and has stars at all three levels. Reyna Reyes was the hero against Duke scoring the game-winning goal and being rock solid at the back. Felicia Knox leads the nation in assists with 20, an absurd total for a single season. Lastly, they’ve got Riley Parker up front, tied for 6th in the nation with 17 goals. Alabama deserves to be here wholeheartedly, and they have what it takes to beat a team like UCLA.
Felicia Knox against Sunshine Fontes is a fantastic midfield matchup to keep your eye on and could be the difference in the game. Reilyn Turner is one of the best players in the country but has had a quiet NCAA Tournament with no goals or assists. That shows that UCLA is just as deep, and they don’t have to rely on Turner to win games. The Bruins have the advantage at the back, with Lauren Brzykcy–one of the best keepers in the nation.
Alabama took on a lower-level Pac-12 team in Utah and only managed to muster a 1-1 draw. It was earlier in the year, but that’s a team UCLA had no problem handling 3-0. This will still be close, but UCLA has been the best team at the top of the rankings all year, a slip-up here would be devastating, and they won’t let that happen.
Prediction: UCLA Wins 2-1
Featured image via @uncwomenssoccer on Instagram
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