The road to the College Cup is here. Teams angled and rallied for position and results all season, and this year’s competition is as open as ever.

In the 2022 tournament, six lower-seeded teams upset their first-round opponent. In 2023, only two lower-seeded teams managed to claim a first-round victory. With more parity than ever this year, and handfuls of different number ones this season, this tournament is shaping up to be the closest in years.

Here are our predictions for each first-round matchup, which begins on Nov. 15.

Duke's Maggie Graham sprints across green grass celebrating.

#1 Duke vs. Howard

Winner: Duke

Howard University won the NEC this year to earn an automatic berth. Despite losing only once during conference play, the Bison will struggle against a Duke team that spent four weeks at number one and have a style built for tournament football. The Blue Devils have the second-best offense in the country and give up less than a goal per game.

#8 Texas Tech vs. LSU

Winner: Texas Tech

The SEC squares off with the Big 12 in this close-run matchup out of the south. LSU hovered around .500 all season but knocked off a ranked Auburn in the conference tournament. Tech, on the other hand, has only three regular-season losses. Look for the Red Raiders to dominate the midfield en route to a win.

#5 Michigan State vs. Western Michigan

Winner: MSU

Western Michigan breezed through the Mid-American Conference Tournament, and had a similarly strong record to MSU. However, the Spartans were another one of those teams who spent time at #1 and haven’t lost at home in months. With the first game being in DeMartin stadium, Michigan State has to be the overwhelming favorite in the matchup.

#4 Texas vs. Boston University

Winner: Texas

Boston University didn’t lose in the Patriot League this season, before winning the conference tournament over Bucknell. Now they face the SEC Champion Texas Longhorns, who have rounded into strong form behind a loaded squad of experienced Texans. Longhorns Head Coach Angela Kelly has been here before, meaning experience and talent will likely prevail.

#3 Iowa vs. Missouri State

Winner: Iowa

Missouri State won the Missouri Valley Conference, led by MVC player of the year Julia Kristensen. Iowa performed well in the new-look Big Ten but lost early in the conference tournament. The Hawkeyes are the stronger team, with better wins, and are playing at home.

#6 Georgetown vs. Fairfield

Winner: Fairfield

Georgetown and Fairfield are two very similar teams. Both drew one and lost one during conference play, both are strong offensive teams, neither has any high quality ranked wins. Fairfield’s defense may allow them to weather Georgetown on the road. Fairfield also is red hot; they haven’t lost a game since August.

#7 Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee

Winner: Virginia Tech

This seven versus ten seed matchup finds Virginia Tech and Tennessee in a potentially weak moment for both teams. Virginia Tech has lost their last two games, and Tennessee has lost five of their last eight games. Look to trust the higher seed over the more inconsistent and out-of-form Tennessee Volunteers.

#2 UCLA vs. Cal Baptist

Winner: UCLA

UCLA won the Big Ten tournament in their inaugural season in the new conference, they’re absolutely loaded with talent and are playing at home. Cal Baptist knocked off tough opponents in Utah Valley and Grand Canyon on the way to their conference title. However, a weak record in the conference shows that they likely won’t hold up against UCLA.

#2 UNC vs. South Carolina Upstate

Winners: UNC

UNC has been one of the best teams all year, and they knocked off Duke before losing to Florida State in the ACC final. USC Upstate had a decent year in the Big South, but with no high major tests on their previous schedule, they’ll likely be overwhelmed by the difference in level.

#7 BYU vs. Santa Clara

Winners: Santa Clara

This West Coast showdown is one of the best matchups of the first round. Santa Clara was strong all year in the competitive WCC, ultimately winning the conference. BYU came into the season as one of the top-ranked teams despite accommodating a handful of young players. Expect that youth to be their downfall in this close-run matchup.

#6 Minnesota vs. South Dakota State

Winner: Minnesota

Minnesota was bounced out of the Big Ten Tournament by last-team-in, Penn State. South Dakota State comes into the Tournament on a four game win streak after claiming their conference title. Still, extended rest and greater resources still project to overwhelm the Jackrabbits.

#3 South Carolina vs. Eastern Carolina

Winner: South Carolina

South Carolina enters this matchup ranked #14 in the national top #25, losing to Texas in the SEC Championship. East Carolina knocked off top conference opponent Memphis on an exciting run to the AAC title. Both teams have a 10-3-7 record, with South Carolina being better at home, and East Carolina being better on the road. With the game in South Carolina, this matchup has all the ingredients of an explosive local matchup.

#4 Penn State vs. Stony Brook

Winner: Penn State

Stony Brook was strong during regular season play, peaking at the right time to win the CAA Championship. Now, they receive a first round date with four seed Penn State. They’re ranked No. 21 nationally and have a talented goalkeeper in Mackenzie Gress. Despite Penn State losing in the second round of the Big Ten tournament, look for them to best the smaller Stony Brook in this matchup.

#5 Texas Christian University vs. Stephen F. Austin

Winner: TCU

Stephen F. Austin had an absolutely phenomenal season, boasting the third best defense and the third best offense in the country. Their star creator, Maddie Bowers’ 11 assists, was a top-five pace in the country. Yet, they face a stacked TCU team, who was on an absolute tear before losing to Kansas. The goal ratio over the last six matches of the regular season was 24-6 in TCU’s favor. Stephen F. Austin also put up 19 of their goals this season across to weaker matchups. They could upset TCU, but it would take a stunning challenge.

#8 Vanderbilt vs. Lipscomb

Winner: Vanderbilt

Lipscomb is similar to SFA, as they were also top 20 in offense and defense, and had a star in NCAA leading goalscorer Kiara Pralle. Vanderbilt steadied themselves in the conference after some mid-season questions. They’ve also been great at home all year, giving them the edge in this great matchup.

FSU's Taylor Huff turns with the ball at her feet and a defender on her back

#1 Florida State vs. Samford

Winner: FSU

FSU came into the season highly ranked and projected to challenge again for the title. They returned a handful of top talent, as well as bringing in multiple elite recruits and transfers. Samford won the Southern Conference from fellow bid-receivers Western Carolina but struggled on the road against big teams. FSU’s embarrassment of riches should be too much for Samford.

#1 Southern California vs. Sacramento State

Winner: USC

Sacramento State lost more than they won this season but claimed the Big Sky title after three draws went to penalties. USC was knocked out of the Big Ten Tournament in the quarter-finals to Rutgers but received a number one seed for their overall quality on the season. USC only lost one game the entire season to fellow powerhouse Stanford. If Sac State can keep the game tied until late, the pressure will only ratchet up on USC, especially given their previous experience in the Big Ten Tourney. One goal for USC, and the game is blown wide open.

Southern California's Maile Hayes screams in celebration with outstretched arms

#8 St. Louis vs. Kansas

Winner: St. Louis

Kansas won the Big 12 after a rocky start to the year, combining with their eight straight wins and earning them a spot in the tournament. St. Louis only lost one game this entire season, to ranked Penn State. The Billikens earned a higher seeding, and will disrupt the red hot Jayhawks.

#5 Wisconsin vs. Maine

Winner: Wisconsin

Wisconsin had a middling season so far, with their only high-profile win being away at No. 9 Iowa. Maine has only lost to Rutgers this season and won the America East to secure a spot in the tournament. This is a matchup that is on upset watch, but Wisconsin has too much experience and quality.

#4 Virginia vs. Princeton

Winner: Princeton

Princeton won the Ivy League and has U-20 winger Pietra Tordin generating tons of chances for them. UVA houses her teammate, U-20 midfielder Yuna Mccormack. UVA went .500 in their difficult conference but had a lot of success at home. Princeton has only lost once since getting Tordin back from the U-20 women’s World Cup.

#3 Ohio State vs. James Madison

Winner: Ohio State

It took nearly two months for Ohio State to lose their first game of the season. Their only two other losses after that were to USC and UCLA, now 1 and 2 seeds. Star Amanda Schuleter has also contributed 11 assists, tied for fifth in the country. James Madison didn’t lose a single game in their conference and only one regular season game overall. Will JMU’s limited preseason tests be enough to take them past Ohio State?

#6 Auburn vs. Florida International University

Winner: Auburn

FIU had a solid year and won the Conference USA, getting to exactly the 31st-best offense and defense in the country. That won’t be strong enough for Auburn’s top-10 offense. The War Eagles also haven’t lost at home this season. A sobering reminder that the playoffs separate the good from the truly great.

#7 Georgia vs. Colorado

Winner: Georgia

Colorado started the season hot, but a midseason bashing from TCU made the Buffs go winless over their last six regular season games. Georgia has functioned as a great litmus test this season, losing to but pushing the teams that are above them while taking care of business against teams they’re better than. The Bulldogs are both in a better moment and seem like a better team.

#2 Wake Forest vs. Morehead State

Winner: Wake Forest

Wake Forest was one of the best teams in the ACC all year. Morehead State doesn’t have any high-quality wins and didn’t even win their own conference tournament. They secured an auto-bid due to conference winner Lindenwood being ineligible. Wake Forest has too much in their favor.

#2 Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State

Winner: Arkansas

Arkansas has, far and away, the best offense in the country, committing almost the entire team forward for an all-out aggressive mindset. That type of risk will be dangerous against some teams, but Oklahoma State won’t be able to threaten in the same way. To the Cowgirl's credit, they’ve been a consistent team all season but they just lack those high-end wins that give you confidence against such a strong Arkansas team.

#7 Pepperdine vs. Cal

Winner: Pepperdine

Pepperdine has picked up a bunch of strong wins, en route to a higher seed than in-state opponents Cal. Cal managed to knock off Stanford before playoffs started but have struggled away from home all season. With this game being played in Malibu, Pepperdine gets a small edge.

#6 Rutgers vs. UConn

Winner: Rutgers

Rutgers had a great conference tournament run, and Riley Tiernan picked up 11 assists this season. UConn won the Big East, despite being seeded fifth in the tournament. The Huskies have won their last 5. Rutgers has a slight advantage in having played and beaten strong teams all season.

#3 Stanford vs. UCSB

Winner: Stanford

Stanford has a great defense, high-end talent, and a strong identity and style. UCSB won their conference tournament on PKs but has been absolutely horrendous on the road. The talent gap and home-field advantage should overwhelm the Gauchos for a Cardinal win.

#4 Notre Dame vs. Milwaukee

Winner: Notre Dame

Notre Dame spent a large part of their season on fire, not losing between Aug. 15 and Oct. 27. They went out early in the ACC tournament to eventual winners FSU. Milwaukee has the nation’s second-leading scorer in Kayla Rollins, as they didn’t lose a single conference game this season. Can Rollins and Milwaukee steal a goal early and put Notre Dame on the backfoot?

#5 Kentucky vs. West Virginia

Winner: Kentucky

West Virginia has been a good team this year, winning at home, strong in conference play, and played a nailbiter with Kansas in the Big 12 tournament. Kentucky was more of a mixed bag, beating some good teams and struggling against others. The greater upside and scoring that Kentucky has makes them a solid choice.

#8 Utah State vs. Washington

Winner: Utah State

It took until Oct. 10th for Utah State to lose a game this season. It was the only game they lost this season. Washington has a few good wins, including a 2-1 upset over No. 5 Michigan State. Utah State has been strong all year, and while Washington has a chance, it’s not a great one.

#1 Mississippi State vs. Southern University

Winner: Mississippi State

Mississippi State has been a stalwart defensive team all season behind superstar goalkeeper Maddy Anderson. Southern has as many wins as losses this season and will simply be outgunned against a deserving one-seed like Mississippi State.