BLACK FRIDAY SALE: Take 40% off a TDS Subscription. Use the promo code 'bf40' at checkout.

Florida State, TCU, Duke, and Stanford are all vying for the national title, setting up a College Cup that could showcase either a traditional powerhouse or a surprising newcomer. Here’s what to know before the semifinals.

MORE: Florida State Path to Final Four | TCU Path to Final Four | Duke Path to Final Four | Stanford Path to Final Four

TCU(w) (18-2-3) vs. Florida State(w) (14-2-4) - Friday, December 5th, 6 PM Eastern

Big 12 meets the ACC in this clash of old versus new. The Seminoles have all the pedigree, marking their second College Cup appearance in three years and 15th overall. TCU, on the other hand, is playing in its first Final Four but does have an x-factor: Head Coach Eric Bell is highly experienced, having, ironically, spent six seasons as an assistant coach with Florida State, helping the program reach its first College Cup final in 2017. Tune in for what is a truly poetic storyline.

TCU Keys to Victory

For TCU to have a chance, Liv Geller will need to continue her incredible form in goal, as Florida State boasts several highly talented attackers. Expect a game of pure grit, with the Horned Frogs likely conceding plenty of possession but creating opportunities through the individual brilliance of Seven Castain, Emma Yolinsky, Sydney Becerra, Cameron Patton, and AJ Hennessey, among others.

Florida State Keys to Victory

On the other side, Florida State's key to success is avoiding the over-complication that can plague the team in the final third. With a roster of talented attackers possessing incredible vision, it is easy to see why the Seminoles often look for one more pass rather than taking an already advantageous shot. This habit can lead to missed opportunities, allowing a talented TCU team a chance to earn a victory.

Duke(w) (17-4-1) vs. Stanford(w) (20-1-2) - Friday, December 5th, 8:45 PM Eastern

In the second match-up, although both Duke and Stanford are in the ACC, they did not meet in the regular season because of the conference's size. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the familiarity of facing a league foe in the postseason does not apply. Furthermore, the expected freezing temperatures could favor the more physically imposing team, neutralizing many of Stanford's usual advantages.

Duke Keys to Victory

Although an underdog on paper, the frigid Kansas City conditions make this match more even than expected. If Duke shifts to a more direct style, slowing the game and focusing on set pieces as needed, they could frustrate a Cardinal side that thrives in warm weather but has not experienced such cold this year.

Stanford Keys to Victory

There is little doubt that the Stanford attack will create chances at will; the dilemma lies on the other side of the ball, where it has kept just one clean sheet in the last eleven matches. The issue is that, in chasing moments of attacking brilliance, the Cardinal can often take on a naive rest-defense, reluctant to put in a tackle to stop a counter, and, even worse, often leaving the last defender in a 1-v-1 situation, susceptible to a long pass into space. The good news is that those are solvable issues that could decide this clash.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls KC: U16 Players to Watch

Stanford's Path to Women's College Cup

Men's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Preview