Can Olivia Wagner and Maryland win an ACC title? Florida State is still the favorite. (Photo Credit: Ken L. Harriford)
The Atlantic Coast Conference Championship takes place this weekend in Cary, N.C. and it will feature four of the country’s best teams.
Women’s college soccer fans should take note as three of the four teams in last year’s Final Four were from ACC. All four teams in this Friday’s ACC semifinals are also currently ranked in the NCAA Top 10.
The first semifinal game match pits Florida State against Virginia at 5 p.m. ET. Before losing to Boston College on October 21, Florida State was undefeated. The Seminoles lost again to Miami a week later. The Seminoles suffered both of their late season losses while one of the team’s leading scorers, Dagny Brynjarsdottir, was away on Icelandic national team duty. Brynjarsdottir was back for the Seminoles’ 4-0 defeat of Boston College in the ACC quarterfinals Sunday.
The Cavaliers face a tough challenge on Friday night, but Steve Swanson’s squad was the only road team to win during Sunday’s quarterfinals. Virginia’s offense exploded in their last two regular season games against Boston College and Virginia Tech in which the Cavaliers recorded five goals in each contest.
Virginia took Florida State to overtime in their first meeting but Florida State ultimately won the contest. The game will be close but look for Florida State to book a ticket to the ACC final.
The second semifinal features Wake Forest against Maryland. Kickoff for this game is 7:30 p.m. ET Friday. Wake Forest made it to the ACC final the last two years — will they make it three in a row?
The Terrapins topped the Demon Deacons 2-1 during the regular season but Katie Stengel and the Wake Forest offense will look to exploit a young Maryland team. Maryland may make the job easier for the Demon Deacons as the Terrapins continue to foul often in dangerous spots.
Maryland’s leading scorer, Hayley Brock, who was suspended for two games, will return for Friday’s match. Senior midfielder Danielle Hubka will also be available at least on a limited basis. Hubka missed nearly a month due to injury before returning to the field last Sunday. She scored the game-winner in overtime.
The semifinal games will be live streamed on ESPN3. The Final will air on ESPNU on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET.
The Equalizer’s Steve Bruno will be on site in Cary, N.C. with coverage of the ACC women’s soccer championship. Check back throughout the weekend.
