Like ND's chances in the NCAAs to get to the College Cup.
by Domerduck (2016-11-08 11:29:38)
Edited on 2016-11-08 11:30:46

Getting a 2 seed was great which means we would host all games to the quarters if we keep winning. You have to play the games but the women have been playing very well as of late. 1st round against SIU-Evansville should be relatively straightforward as we are the superior team. We would then get Northwestern or Kent State, both teams with only two losses each, but much lower RPI (ND-9, NW-26, Kent-35) and again at Alumni Stadium. If we get past that the best team we could face is Duke-3 Seed, who for some reason we didn't play in conference schedule. We also could get a chance again at Michigan, this time in our place. Despite being the worst of the 8 Big 10 teams to get in, they have a great draw playing Illinois State (RPI-139) at home to start. If they can then get past Duke we might get them again.

If we win those 3 and we get to the quarters we would only have to travel if West Virginia wins out. They will have a very tough game against UCLA if it holds form. Their schedule wasn't too tough as the Big 12 was the worst Power 5 conference this year. They played 3 Seeded teams, beating # 3 Seeds Duke and Clemson (at home), with their only loss in double OT at home to #2 seed Georgetown. Their one tie was at #27 RPI Penn State. I think we would have a good shot at them, even at their place. If UCLA won we'd have them at home. That would include any of the other 6 teams on the other side of the bracket if they happen to win out.

Lots to play, but it would be a tremendous accomplishment if this team could get to the College Cup again this year after a few years of absences. Once there you never know what would happen. Still with the women coming back next year from the U-20 tournament and this experience we would very strong next year. Let's hope the team is ready as we are looking for a great ending for a good season.


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