UNC / Baylor Region Women’s Soccer Tournament Breakdowns
North Carolina has a fairly interesting road ahead to get back to the College Cup in 2012. The number three seed Baylor is dynamic enough offensively that, if they can get by Arizona State, could set the stage for a Sweet 16 matchup against the Tar Heels at Fetzer Field. Georgetown and Missouri all are potential sleepers in this part of the bracket to make a deep run as well.
#2 North Carolina vs. Radford
North Carolina’s road starts out with Big South Champ Radford. The Tar Heels have gotten plenty of extra rest after losing at home to Virginia in the ACC Quarterfinals. The Highlanders are very tough defensively limiting opponents to 12 goals. Che’ Brown has been in top form in goal with 13 shutouts. Rachel Conway leads the attack with seven goals. The Tar Heels should advance on with a couple goals from the likes of Kealia Ohai and Amber Brooks.
This border war battle has the makings of one of the best matches of the opening round. Illinois is surging with wins against Michigan and Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament. The defense is a question mark as the Illini have been outscored 29-28 this season. Vanessa DiBernardo is going to need a big game on Saturday in Columbia for the Illini to advance. Missouri is led by Alyssa Diggs who has scored eight goals, and Haley Krentz’s team leading ten assists. This match has the look of a high scoring affair with a penalty kick shootout very possible.
Georgetown is a very balanced squad led by Emily Menges along the backline and Daphne Corboz, the Big East Offensive Player of the Year. Corboz has racked up 17 goals in 2012 and is very difficult to deal with for any backline. Virginia Tech is led by Shannon Mayrose and Ashley Meier who have scored seven goals apiece. The Hokies have been battle tested in the ACC just like the Hoyas in the Big East. This has the potential to be a very epic match.
#3 Baylor vs. Arizona State
Baylor, despite winning the Big 12 Conference Tournament, was sent on the road to Tempe for the first round to take on Arizona State instead of hosting. The Bears have been very tough offensively as they are led by Dana Larsen who has tallied ten goals and nine assists. Baylor has also played lock down defense led by Michelle Kloss in goal as she has a 0.49 goals against average this season. Arizona State brings a five game unbeaten streak into the match with Baylor. They are led by Cali Farquharson and Devin Marshall who have each tallied nine goals in 2012. The defense has been a struggle at times as the Sun Devils have allowed 30 goals. This should be a very up tempo match with plenty of goals.
