No. 15 NC State vs. Saint Louis. Two programs that head into their first Men’s College Cup in the 21st century. The matchup marks the fifth overall meeting between the Wolfpack and the Billikens — the first since 2007.
Here’s a breakdown on how they made it to Cary.
No. 15 NC State (15-2-4)
It’s been a historic season for NC State so far, reaching the Men’s College Cup for the first time in 35 years and the second time in program history.
Losing in the second round of the ACC tournament to Syracuse for just their second loss of the season, days before the NCAA tournament, the Wolfpack responded with authority. They beat both Marshall and UNC Greensboro, 2-0, in the second and third rounds after receiving a first round bye, and outlasted No. 7 Georgetown, 3-2, in the quarterfinals.
The matchup against the Hoyas quickly turned into a high-scoring affair with all five goals coming in the first 37 minutes of the match — and three in the span of three minutes. The tide slowed from there, though, as neither team found the back of the net for the rest of the contest.
The victory marked the 15th of the season for NC State, the most in a single season since 1990, when the program last reached the national semifinals.
A win on Friday would send the Wolfpack to their first Men’s College Cup final.
Anytime you call on Drew Lovelace you know he’s going to answer 📲
8′ | (15) NC STATE 2, Georgetown 0#CarryTheCulture pic.twitter.com/369I45wr8f
— NC State Men’s Soccer (@PackMensSoccer) December 6, 2025
Saint Louis (13-2-8)
The Billikens put together a noteworthy route to Cary, fighting its way to their 17th College Cup appearance and first since 1997.
So why was their postseason journey remarkable? None of their four wins were more than one goal.
Saint Louis beat Kentucky in the first round, 2-1, shocked No. 6 Indiana, 1-0, and defeated No. 11 Bryant in a penalty kick shootout. Tied 2-2 after regulation, both teams went scoreless in the two overtimes, leading to the shootout. Goalkeeper Jeremi Abonnel made the match-winning save to propel the Billikens to the quarterfinals.
Bryant vs. Saint Louis: Full PK shootout in 2025 NCAA men’s soccer third round
They went on to beat No. 14 Akron, 3-2, climbing back from a two-goal deficit in the first half and scoring three unanswered, upping their unbeaten streak to 14 games.
A semifinals win against NC State would send Saint Louis to the finals for the first time since 1974.
