This week’s women’s best matchups revolve around one road trip. UCLA hits the east coast this weekend, where it will take on Duke and North Carolina. Those clashes will offer an early indication as to where three of the best teams in the nation stand. Although nothing is decided in early September, results from such games can have large implications down the road. And for the casual fan, they will also make excellent viewing.

Elsewhere, there’s a big derby to catch, as well as a rematch of a pivotal game in one Ivy League team’s 2021 campaign. Here are five contests to watch this week.

Thursday, September 1

No. 16 Clemson at No. 6 South Carolina, 7 p.m. (SEC Network +)

South Carolina’s tie against Florida State to open the season seemed like a good result for the Gamecocks. After being out shot 17-10 and relying on Heather Hinz for six saves, it appeared that the Gamecoks were positioned to be a stout defensive side — but wouldn’t offer much going forward. In the three games since, they have subverted that narrative, averaging 2.3 goal per game while conceding none to go 3-0-1 overall. Hosting Clemson, though, presents a different type of challenge. The Tigers have been inconsistent so far, snatching results against Texas A&M, Campbell and Western Carolina, before losing 3-0 to Alabama. Still, anything can happen in a derby, especially when these two teams meet.

No. 4 UCLA at No. 2 Duke, 7:30 p.m. (ACC Network Extra)

UCLA has tallied three comfortable wins thus far, depositing west coast rivals Santa Clara while also beating Iowa and CSUN. A road trip to Duke should be the first real test for Margueritte Aozasa's squad. The Bruins have relied on the form of Sunshine Fontes to date, and if the Hawaiian can get more looks, they will be tough to beat. But Duke has also started the season well, highlighted by a 3-2 comeback win over Tennessee. It will be a must watch contest.

No. 7 Penn State at No. 14 Stanford, 10 p.m. (Pac 12 Network)

Penn State has improved of late, winning two straight after snatching a draw against Georgetown to open the season. Crucially, transfer forward Penelope Hocking has rounded into form, tallying a goal and an assist in the last two games. Stanford’s attack has been rampant of late, outscoring its opponents, 13-1, with three players tallying multiple goals. The Cardinal only lost once at home last year, and they will be pushed all the way to keep such strong home form going.

Sunday, September 4

No. 4 UCLA at No. 3 North Carolina, 12 p.m. (ACC Network)

UCLA has a tough weekend ahead in North Carolina. It won’t have to travel far for its second contest in three days, with a deep tar Heels squad to confront. North Carolina is yet to concede and has also scored at least twice in all four of its games. It is getting production from everywhere, with nine different goalscorers finding the back of the net so far. Avery Patterson is in form, with four goals to her name so far. Coach Anson Dorrance has used her as a more direct attacking player so far this year — and no team has quite figured her out. The outcome of Sunday’s game might hinge on UCLA’s ability to do so.

No. 23 Brown at Hofstra, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)

Last year, this fixture was a nightmare for Brown head coach Kia McNeill. The Bears — fresh off an Ivy League win — were thrashed, 4-0, in Hempstead, New York. But it proved to be a catalyst for a historic run, one of the best seasons in school history. Hofstra also enjoyed a successful season, leaning on a wealth of international talent to make it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That team looks significantly different this year, though — highlighted by the emergence of freshman striker Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir. Though this fixture last year turned out to be pivotal for the Bears, a 4-0 loss likely isn’t what McNeill has in mind this year. And with a team full of returners, Brown will be up for revenge.

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