CARY, N.C. — Washington will chase its first national championship in program history when it faces #15 NC State in the College Cup final on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST at WakeMed Soccer Park. The matchup pits an experienced Wolfpack squad seeking its second title in six years against a surging Huskies team making its maiden voyage to the championship match.
Washington (15-6-2) enters the final riding a six-game winning streak, capped by Friday's dominant 3-1 semifinal victory over #16 Furman. The Huskies' offensive firepower has been on full display during their tournament run, with Charlie Kosakoff, Zach Ramsey and Asher Hestad combining for all three goals against the Paladins. Head coach Jamie Clark's squad has found its peak form at the right time, outscoring opponents 24-6 overall and controlling possession throughout the postseason.
NC State (16-2-4) survived a tense semifinal against Saint Louis, holding on for a 2-1 victory after the Billikens converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute. The Wolfpack's second-half surge saw Donavan Phillip and Taig Healy score within four minutes of each other to build a commanding lead before weathering the late rally. Head coach George Kiefer's team has relied on defensive organization and clinical finishing throughout its four-match winning streak.
The tactical matchup presents intriguing contrasts. Washington's free-flowing attack, orchestrated by Alex Hall from midfield, generated 24 shots against Furman and has consistently overwhelmed opponents with wave after wave of pressure. The Huskies' 12 shots on target in the semifinal reflected their ability to create quality chances and finish with precision.
NC State's approach has been more measured, controlling games through possession and capitalizing on set pieces and aerial superiority. The Wolfpack's two goals against Saint Louis both came from headers, and their 10 corner kicks in that match demonstrated their effectiveness in creating danger from dead-ball situations. Goalkeeper Logan Erb has been solid when called upon, making crucial saves in the semifinal's tense closing minutes.
Kosakoff enters the final as Washington's most dangerous threat. The junior forward scored once and assisted on another goal against Furman, consistently tormenting defenses with his pace and movement. His partnership with Ramsey has developed into one of the tournament's most productive combinations, while Hestad's spectacular strike from distance in the semifinal showcased Washington's scoring variety.
NC State's attacking threats run through Phillip and Healy, who both demonstrated their aerial prowess in the semifinal. The duo's ability to win headers in the box makes them particularly dangerous on set pieces, an area where Washington will need to maintain discipline. Riley Moloney's service from wide areas has created numerous chances, while Justin Mclean and Drew Lovelace provide additional attacking options from the flanks.
Defensively, NC State's organization will be tested by Washington's high-pressing style and quick transitions. The Wolfpack limited Saint Louis to just five shots in the semifinal but will face a significantly more potent attack in the final. Washington's defense, anchored by Harrison Bertos, allowed just one goal against Furman and has shown the ability to handle both direct play and intricate buildup.
The historical context adds weight to Sunday's matchup. NC State captured the 2019 national championship and appeared in the 2020 final, giving the program valuable experience at this stage. Washington's path to its first final has been remarkable, with the program making just its second NCAA tournament appearance in five years.
Both teams have demonstrated resilience during their tournament runs. Washington's 3-1 victory margin against Furman masked a competitive first half before the Huskies pulled away. NC State's ability to withstand late pressure against Saint Louis after conceding the penalty showed championship mettle.
The venue favors the Wolfpack, who have played all their tournament matches at WakeMed Soccer Park with crowd support approaching 11,000. Washington's road warrior mentality has served them well throughout the postseason, and the neutral-site atmosphere should mitigate any home advantage.
Sunday's final promises a compelling clash between Washington's attacking flair and NC State's tactical discipline. The Huskies seek to cap a historic season with the program's first national title, while the Wolfpack aim to reclaim championship glory and cement their status among college soccer's elite programs.
Championship Match Details:
- Time: Sunday, 7 p.m. EST
- Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C.
- Records: Washington 15-6-2, NC State 16-2-4
- TV: ESPN (coverage begins 6:30 p.m.)