Read a recap covering how Oregon State, West Virginia, Notre Dame, and Clemson booked their trips to the Men’s College Cup.

Beaver Nation

Oregon State Beavers will advance to the Final Four thanks to a lone goal from Dante Williams. Most impressive is the Pac-12 side showing a different side to its game after blowing SMU out 7-1 in the previous round. That ability to win two different types of games is what every coach wants at this stage of the season.

Williams puts the Beavers on the board 💪

💻 ESPN+ #NCAASoccer x @BeaverMSoccer pic.twitter.com/NiRCsdEnw1

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 2, 2023

Back Again

Two first-half goals scored by Gael Gibert and Tyler Trimnal see the Clemson Tigers return to the College Cup for the first time since 2021. And as the only roster left in the field with championship experience, the ACC tournament champions have a significant advantage.

The French Connection! 🇫🇷 ➡️ 🇫🇷

📺 ESPN+ | #ClemsonUnited pic.twitter.com/9e3kyB9iis

— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) December 2, 2023

Feeling Lucky

A second straight penalty shootout win sees Notre Dame advance to a second College Cup in three years. One star to note is Daniel Russo, as the New Jersey native scored a sensational free-kick to open the scoring in regulation, then stepped up to slot the winning penalty kick for a second straight game. The Irish defense has held up all tournament and will continue to be a strength.

😱 DANIEL RUSSO ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?

Watch: ESPN+#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/fRq0TwlSEg

— Notre Dame Men's Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) December 2, 2023

Country Roads Continue

Overcoming a deficit two minutes into the game, West Virginia scored three unanswered to advance to the College Cup. The star of the moment is Yutaro Tsukada, as the Japanese forward has now scored seven goals in his last seven appearances, signs of a player peaking when it matters most.

7️⃣ goals in 7️⃣ games for Yutaro!#HailWV | @YUTARO169244531 pic.twitter.com/nXjzphG3oU

— WVU Men's Soccer (@WVUMensSoccer) December 2, 2023

Penalty Pros

Incredibly, Notre Dame is a perfect 9-fo-9 in two straight penalty shootout victories to reach the College Cup. Not that you want to rely on penalty kicks to advance through the tournament, but it does create an intimidating mystique that can leave opposing keepers and shooters second-guessing. Of course, on the other hand, there is now tape on where each Notre Dame player likes to shoot.

First Time for Everything

There are two newcomers in the College Cup, Oregon State and West Virginia. And better yet, with the two teams on opposite sides of the bracket, there is a chance the national final promises a first-time winner.

ACC Date?

With Notre Dame facing Oregon State and Clemson matching up with West Virginia, there is a chance the College Cup final will be a battle of two ACC teams. The two sides met earlier in the season, with the Irish winning 3-2 at home, but that was back in early September, and both teams have evolved significantly.