The 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Soccer Championship is set to begin on Wednesday, November 6, bringing together all 15 ACC programs in an action-packed battle for the title. The tournament kicks off with seven first-round matches hosted at campus sites, promising thrilling encounters between some of the best teams in college soccer. As always, Etruesports is dedicated to bringing you the latest updates on major sports events, so let’s get into what to expect from this year’s championship.
Tournament Format
The ACC Men’s Soccer Championship follows a knockout format, starting with the first round, where all 15 teams will compete for a spot in the quarterfinals. The matches commence at 6 p.m. ET, with No. 15 seed Louisville facing No. 2 Clemson, followed by No. 9 Virginia against No. 8 NC State at 8 p.m. The remaining five matches will be available for streaming on ACC Network Extra.
The tournament’s single-elimination structure ensures intense competition as teams fight for a chance to advance to the championship game. The top seed, Pitt, has earned a first-round bye and awaits the winner of the NC State vs. Virginia clash in the quarterfinals.
Key Matches to Watch
The opening round of the tournament features several high-stakes matchups that could set the tone for the rest of the competition.
- Louisville vs. Clemson: Clemson enters as one of the top seeds and is expected to dominate, but Louisville will be aiming for an upset in this first-round battle.
- Virginia vs. NC State: With Virginia ranked No. 9 and NC State playing on home turf, this match promises to be an exciting showdown.
Path to the Championship
Quarterfinals
With the first-round winners advancing, the quarterfinals are scheduled for Sunday, November 10. Pitt, the ACC regular-season champion, will play its first match that evening at 8 p.m. ET. Other quarterfinal matchups will take place throughout the day as teams battle for spots in the semifinals.
Semifinals & Championship Match
The semifinals will take place on Thursday, November 14, leading up to the highly anticipated championship match on Sunday, November 17, which will be broadcast live on ESPNU. With so many top-ranked teams and high-caliber players competing, the final stages of the tournament are expected to deliver thrilling performances.
Standout Teams and Players
The ACC continues to assert its dominance in college soccer, with six teams ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. Notably, three ACC teams are in the top 10—the most of any conference:
- Duke (No. 2)
- Clemson (No. 7)
- Pitt (No. 9)
Other ranked teams include North Carolina (No. 14), SMU (No. 15), and NC State (No. 21).
Several standout players are expected to leave their mark on this year’s tournament:
- Matthew Roou (Notre Dame) – Currently ranks sixth nationally with 13 goals this season.
- Ulfur Bjornsson (Duke) – Close behind Roou, ranking seventh with 12 goals.
These players have been instrumental for their respective teams and could be decisive in the race for the championship.
ACC Men’s Soccer Championship: Key Facts
This year’s tournament marks the 38th edition of the ACC Men’s Soccer Championship, with a full 15-team field for the first time. Here are some key historical and competitive insights:
- Clemson is aiming to become the first back-to-back champion since Wake Forest in 2016-2017.
- Virginia leads all programs with 16 ACC championships, making them the most decorated team in the tournament.
- Pitt, the No. 1 seed, is seeking its first title after securing the regular-season championship.
- The ACC remains a powerhouse in NCAA soccer, with 20 national championships, including three of the last four titles: Clemson (2021, 2023) and Syracuse (2022).
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