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Final: NC State 2 Saint Louis 0
December 12, 2025
Cary, NC- The final semifinal of the College Cup featured 2 teams who typically are on the opposite end of the NCAA soccer spectrum as the North Carolina State Wolfpack took on the St. Louis Billikens at First Horizon Stadium at Wake Med Soccer park with a spot in the College Cup Championship game on the line. The Billikens came in as the Goliath of the men’s soccer world boasting 52 NCAA Tournament Appearances and 10 National Titles.
The Wolfpack entered the contest as the David of the contest seeking to take down a giant of a task. NC State entered the contest with just 3 appearances since 2003 and its first since 2009. New head coach Marc Hubbard has been preparing his team though for this moment in what has been once of the best seasons in school history.
1st Half Physicality
Both teams proved why they made it to the College Cup Final Four as each team traded blows throughout the first half. The Wolfpack showed their aggressive style of play finishing the half with more fouls than shots. NC State finished the half with 10 fouls, looking to take a potent Billiken offense out of its offensive attack. Several shots went flying by the net for the Pack, however none of them were able to find the back of the net. The Pack have feasted off of their set pieces all season long. They were almost able to cash in midway through the half when Drew Lovelace sent one in that went out to the top right corner just missing opening the scoring.
Things then began to get chippy with both teams seeking to find any crack in the armor of their opponent. Both teams would be unable to find one in the first half as they ended the first 45 minutes in 0-0 stalemate.
2nd Half Battle
NC State came out more aggressive in the second half getting 4 shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of the half including 2 prime scoring chances that went off the Billiken goalkeeper fingertips to keep the Wolfpack scoreless. The Pack would come out in the second half with more offensive aggression as they sought to take advantage of the physical play they exhibited in the first half on the Billikens.
Donavan Phillip finally broke the tie in the 69th minute. After multiple failed chances, The Wolfpack would land a crushing blow to the Billikens after nearly 70 minutes of scoreless play. The goal was assisted by Isaac Heffess giving the Wolfpack a 1-0 lead .
NC State wasted little time adding another one by 1st Team all ACC Taig Healey. The goal from Healy was assisted by Riley Moloney. The Wolfpack offense was the aggressor all game long. The Pack held a 19-1 shot advantage of the Billikens including 8 shots on goal with under 15 minutes left in the game. The Billikens did not get their first shot of the game until 65 minutes into the contest.
The Billikens would get on the board in the 81st minute of the contest on a successful goal kick following an NC State penalty in the box. It would not be enough though as NC State’s aggressive offense proved to be too much for the Saint Louis as they earned their first NCAA College Cup Championship appearance in program history.
The Wolfpack advance to play Washington on Monday Night in the National Championship game. Game will be at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
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