Based on each program’s history, this may look like a David vs. Goliath kind of mismatch. But on the pitch, Alabama against UCLA has the makings of a fascinating matchup. The Crimson Tide has never reached this stage, but after an SEC regular season championship, a program-record 23 wins this season and 76 goals to lead the nation, perhaps the Bruins have the look of the underdog.
Leading the line for Alabama is Riley Mattingly Parker, who was named as a semifinalist for the Mac Hermann Trophy and set Alabama records with 41 points, 17 goals and seven game-winners. Felicia Knox will look to provide the service to Parker to add to her DI-best tally of 20 assists. At the back, the Tide boast another Hermann Trophy semifinalist in Reyna Reyes, who even contributed to the attack, scoring the game-winner in overtime of Alabama’s quarterfinal win over Duke. As the last line of defense, goalkeeper McKinley Crone brings over 100 games of collegiate soccer experience between the sticks.
On their previous visit to the east coast, the Bruins pulled off two road wins over then-No. 2 Duke and then No. 1 North Carolina, each by 2-1 scorelines. The stellar road trip propelled them to a unanimous No. 1 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll, a spot they held for the remainder of the regular season. In goal, Lauren Brzykcy has been a constant for UCLA as the only member of the roster to remain from the 2017 and 2019 College Cup teams. She is no stranger to facing high-powered offenses, with games of eight and nine saves to her name this season. In attack, the Bruins have three players who notched at least 20 points in Sunshine Fontes, Reilyn Turner and Lexi Wright. Fontes leads the team with 11 goals and seven assists.
Whichever team comes out on top, it will be a first for its coach. Alabama coach Wes Hart is in his eighth season at the helm, but has been on a steady upward trajectory since taking over. He has previously reached the College Cup as an assistant at Florida State (even winning the 2014 national title), but looks to win his first College Cup match as head coach. UCLA is led by Margueritte Aozasa, who took over this season after several winning seasons as an assistant at Stanford. She became the first rookie head coach to win Pac-12 Coach of the Year and looks to begin her College Cup tally against the Crimson Tide.