Cary, North Carolina — The 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship has delivered one of the most dramatic final fours in recent memory, with all four quarterfinalists pulling off upsets to reach college soccer's biggest stage. The College Cup semifinals on Friday, December 12 will feature a pair of compelling matchups as #15 NC State faces Saint Louis and Washington takes on #16 Furman at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The road to Cary was paved with shocking results and heart-stopping finishes. Two teams rallied from multi-goal deficits, one pulled off a defensive masterclass on the road, and another dismantled a top-five opponent with clinical finishing. Together, these four squads have proven that seeding means little when championship dreams are on the line.
NC State's Resilient Rally
The Wolfpack authored perhaps the weekend's most improbable comeback, erasing a 3-1 deficit to stun #7 Georgetown 3-2 in Washington, D.C. The Hoyas appeared firmly in control after racing to an early lead and extending it to 3-1 in the first half. But NC State refused to quit, clawing back to level the match before completing the comeback in dramatic fashion.
Carlos Santamaria's goal sparked the rally, and the Wolfpack's relentless second-half pressure eventually overwhelmed Georgetown's defense. The victory extended NC State's winning streak to three matches and improved their record to 15-2-4, one of the nation's best marks. Their ability to overcome adversity against a ranked opponent on the road signals dangerous form heading into the semifinals.
Saint Louis' Stunning Turnaround
Not to be outdone, Saint Louis orchestrated their own remarkable comeback against #14 Akron, rallying from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Ohio. The Billikens looked dead in the water after the Zips built their two-goal cushion, but an own goal in the 49th minute breathed new life into the visitors.
Quinten Blair equalized in the 78th minute before Tanner Anderson delivered the knockout blow in the 87th minute, sending the Saint Louis contingent into delirium. Akron's task became nearly impossible after Matt Dreas was sent off with a red card in the 62nd minute, shifting the tactical balance decisively. The Billikens' 13-2-8 record includes several tight matches, suggesting they thrive under pressure—a quality that will serve them well in Cary.
Washington's Statement Victory
While NC State and Saint Louis needed late heroics, Washington made a definitive statement by dismantling #4 Maryland 3-1 in College Park. The Huskies trailed early after Henry Bernstein's 19th-minute opener, but three unanswered goals showcased their attacking depth and composure.
Osato Enabulele equalized before halftime, then Charlie Kosakoff and Alex Hall struck in the second half to seal the upset. Washington controlled possession for long stretches and outshot the Terrapins 10-3 on goal, demonstrating they can compete with elite opponents on the road. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Huskies enter the College Cup with dangerous momentum.
Furman's Defensive Masterclass
The tournament's lowest remaining seed pulled off perhaps the most impressive feat of the weekend. #16 Furman traveled to Portland and emerged with a 1-0 victory over #8 Portland in front of over 4,000 hostile fans, relying on Braden Dunham's audacious 75th-minute strike and a defensive masterclass.
The Paladins' goalkeeper made nine saves while the backline absorbed relentless pressure, limiting Portland despite being outshot 17-11 and out-cornered 9-4. Dunham's long-range effort silenced the home crowd and gave Furman a lead they protected through desperate final minutes. Now 16-1-5, the Paladins are just two victories away from an unprecedented national championship.
Semifinal Showdowns
Friday's semifinals promise contrasting styles and compelling narratives. NC State versus Saint Louis pits two comeback specialists against each other—both teams have proven they can rally from adversity and finish under extreme pressure. The Wolfpack's attacking prowess meets the Billikens' resilience in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Washington versus Furman features the tournament's most dominant quarterfinal performance against its grittiest defensive display. The Huskies' free-flowing attack will test Furman's organized defense, while the Paladins will look to replicate their counter-punching success from Portland.
All four teams enter as legitimate title contenders, having proven their credentials by toppling higher-seeded opponents. The drama of the quarterfinals suggests the College Cup final on Monday, December 15 will be earned, not given. In a tournament defined by upsets and resilience, these final four teams have embodied everything that makes college soccer compelling—heart, skill, and the belief that anything is possible when championship glory beckons.