Notre Dame and North Carolina will add another chapter to their women's soccer rivalry today when they meet in the championship game of the NCAA Women's College Cup.
Two years ago, the Tar Heels defeated the Fighting Irish 2-1 here for their 18th NCAA championship. Last season, the Fighting Irish returned the favor by booting the Tar Heels out of the tournament 3-2 in the third round.
"Every year, both of our teams expect to be here and are hoping to be in the championship," said Brittany Bock, Notre Dame's senior midfielder. "It just depends on when we meet."
Notre Dame (26-0-0) won the only meeting this season, prevailing 1-0 at North Carolina's Fetzer Field on Sept. 5.
North Carolina (24-1-2) leads the series between the teams 9-4-2, but Notre Dame joined Santa Clara this season as one of only two teams with four victories against North Carolina.
"With Notre Dame, I think we've created a very fun rivalry over the years," said junior midfielder Tobin Heath. "All the matches are extremely competitive, and it's a blast to play them. I think it's only appropriate that we're meeting in the finals."
The programs rank 1-2 in College Cup appearances (North Carolina 24, Notre Dame 10) and College Cup victories (North Carolina 39, Notre Dame 9), and they own the two longest active streaks of NCAA Tournament appearances (North Carolina 27, Notre Dame 16). They are two of only three programs with multiple national championships.
Each team also is at less than full strength for the biggest match of the season. Lauren Fowlkes of Notre Dame, and Nikki Washington and Meghan Klingenberg of North Carolina are teammates this weekend, playing in Chile for the U.S. U-20 World Cup team.
While North Carolina and Notre Dame have produced similar results this season, they have done so with different styles of play. The Tar Heels employ a high-pressure attack using just three defenders along the back line, while the Fighting Irish offer a more physical style featuring four defenders.
"Our challenge is to see if we can weather their strength and physicality," said Coach Anson Dorrance of UNC. "They're going to make it tough."
Bock has been slowed by a knee injury that kept her out of the first three games of the NCAA Tournament, but she said she is ready to play a full game. With one last shot to win a national title, there's no other opponent she and her teammates would rather face.
"It's exciting," she said. "You always want to play against the best team."
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