Eight teams walk into battle this weekend and four will remain standing. The last obstacle in route to Santa Barbara and the Men’s College Cup takes place this weekend as the remaining teams play in the quarterfinals.

Eder Arreola, UCLA

SMU (16-2-1) at North Carolina (16-3-3) – Friday 12/3

Tonight’s game will be an interesting matchup as both SMU and North Carolina have had some trouble getting into the Elite Eight. North Carolina is probably the favorite to advance to the College Cup, but so far has had the toughest time out of every team to advance. Two consecutive penalty kick shootouts were necessary for the Tar Heels to reach the quarterfinals. Drawing donuts against Georgetown and a meager 1-1 tie against Michigan State can’t boast confidence on the offensive side, especially playing at home.

SMU will be on the road for the first time in the tournament, meaning they haven’t played in front of a hostile crowd. They come off an impressive defensive performance against William & Mary(m), and squeaked by winning 1-0 after an 11th minute goal by Josue Soto.

UCLA (16-4-1) at Louisville (18-0-3) – Saturday 12/4

Louisville is a strong heavy favorite to win the whole kit and caboodle. But to do so it will have to go through UCLA. The Bruins are going to be strolling in with some confidence after a crucial 2-1 OT win over Dartmouth in the Sweet 16. However UCLA has had a questionable record against opponents on the road, and Louisville is still undefeated.

This game will come down to who wants it more. UCLA would love to return to the College Cup since its appearance in the 2006 final, while Louisville looks to make history and be the first undefeated champion since Santa Clara did it in 1989.

California (14-2-3) at Akron (20-1-1) – Saturday 12/4

Taylor Kemp, Maryland

Both the Zips and Bears have had a more comfortable path to the Elite Eight that most would have thought. Akron got into a comfortable lead against Indiana, as did Cal against Brown.

Even though other games have been more exciting, with the talent that Akron and Cal had to face, it is a safe bet that the winner between these two programs will be in the final, if not crowned champion. Being one step away from the College Cup will definitely make this match-up the “can’t miss” of this round.

Michigan (16-4-3) at Maryland (19-2-1) – Saturday 12/4

The Wolverines will have to continue its hot streak on the road once again, traveling to College Park to face the Terrapins. This will be a great game as Michigan boasts a great road record, most recently downing South Carolina, 3-1, in the Sweet 16.

On the other hand, Maryland is undefeated at home and has the experience dealing with the pressure that the Elite Eight can bring. It will be curious to see if Maryland’s defense can contain Michigan frosh Soony Saad, who still has the chance of claiming the nation’s leading goal scorer.