#1 North Carolina / #4 Texas A&M Region
North Carolina has a tough draw if they are going to get back to the College Cup this December. UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas A&M make up the other seeded teams in this region and are diverse enough to definitely test the Tar Heels throughout this Regional.
#1 North Carolina vs. Liberty
North Carolina should be not be tested too much in this opening round match. Crystal Dunn and Kealia Ohai should be more than enough to outlast the Big South Champion Liberty Flames, who upset Radford 5-0 in the Big South Championship match to secure the automatic bid. Brittany Aanderud is the top all-around scoring threat for the Lady Flames with six goals and ten assists.
The Hoosiers are back in the tournament for the first time since 2007. Lisa Nouanesengsy is the sparkplug to the attack for Indiana with 11 goals so far this season. DePaul shocked Georgetown in the Big East Tournament by taking advantage of their one scoring opportunity and absorbing the Hoya attack very well. The Blue Demons are led by a good defense and Elise Wyatt in the attack. Whichever team finishes their scoring chances will advance.
Texas Tech vs. Minnesota
The Red Raiders, despite 17 wins, come into the NCAA tournament somehow unseeded. Janine Beckie leads a very deep attack for Texas Tech. Victoria Esson has been rock solid in goal as well. The Golden Gophers did have some good signature results against Ole Miss and Michigan this season and will need midfielder Katie Thyken to lead the way by creating quality goal scoring chances for Minnesota to be successful and advance. The Red Raiders should have enough to win this match and advance.
The Aggies come in riding a nice wave of momentum as they won the SEC conference tournament by knocking off Florida 2-1 in the final. Texas A&M’s direct style of play has created another deep and talented attack, led by Shea Groom, Liz Keester, Allie Bailey, and the playmaking of Karrie Mueller with ten assists from her defender position. Utah had a very solid mix of results in the Pac-12 this season including a draw against eventual conference champion UCLA. The Utes will need to be disciplined in the back and need goal scoring from Allie Wisner and Katie Taylor to be able to get a result and advance in a very hostile place to play. If Texas A&M is locked in offensively, they should advance on to the second round.
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