The University of Vermont Catamounts men’s soccer team has made history by advancing to the NCAA College Cup for the first time in program history. Vermont (15-2-5) is set to take on No. 3 seed Denver (15-3-4) this Friday at 5 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. Fans can catch the action live on ESPNU and ESPN+ with commentary from Dalen Cuff, Devon Keer, and Marion Crowder.
Game Details and Ticket Information
Supporters still have the chance to witness this momentous match in person by securing tickets at go.uvm.edu/cc24. Additionally, the UVM Alumni Association will host a pregame tailgate at 3 p.m. in Lot D, offering an excellent opportunity for fans to unite and rally behind the Catamounts.
The winner of this semifinal clash will advance to the National Championship Game on Monday, December 16, at 8 p.m., airing live on ESPN2. The other semifinal features top-seeded Ohio State taking on No. 13 Marshall, setting up an exciting finale to the tournament.
Community Support and Watch Party
For those unable to attend in person, the Vermont Athletic Department has arranged a watch party at Nectar’s Restaurant in downtown Burlington. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., where fans can enjoy complimentary food, Catamount-themed giveaways, and raffle prizes, including a team-signed jersey and passes to Smugglers’ Notch Resort. The event encourages fans to showcase their Green and Gold pride as Vermont chases a historic victory.
A Season to Remember: Vermont’s Historic NCAA Tournament Run
Vermont’s journey to the College Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past three years, the Catamounts have won nine NCAA Tournament games—more than any other program during this period. In this year’s tournament, Vermont has been dominant in the latter stages of matches, outscoring opponents 7-1 in the second half.
University of Vermont Catamounts (image via Getty)Key Tournament Highlights
- Second-Half Dominance: Vermont has outscored NCAA Tournament opponents 16-5 in the second half over the last three seasons.
- Undefeated in Extra Time: The Catamounts boast a perfect 3-0-0 record in extra time during this span.
- Never Trailing: Vermont, along with Denver and Marshall, has not trailed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament History and Coaching Success
This marks Vermont’s 14th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with nine tournament victories coming under Head Coach Rob Dow. Dow is now tied with Paul Reinhardt for the most NCAA Tournament berths (four) in program history. The Catamounts also hold the distinction of being the first Vermont athletic program to reach four consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
Players to Watch
- Niklas Herceg – Star Goalkeeper: Leads the NCAA with a .857 save percentage and has recorded three clean sheets in the tournament.
- Yaniv Bazini – Record-Breaking Striker: Scored in four consecutive NCAA Tournament games, setting Vermont’s all-time record for tournament goals (9) and points (19).
- Maximilian Kissel – Clutch Performer: Leads the team with five game-winning goals this season.
- Zach Barrett – Defensive Leader: Holds the program record for most NCAA Tournament minutes played (1,115).
Achievements and Accolades
The Catamounts claimed a share of the America East Regular Season title and won the Tournament Championship, marking only the second time in program history they achieved this double. Several players have received individual accolades:
- Sydney Wathuta: America East Midfielder of the Year
- Zach Barrett: America East Defender of the Year
- Karl Daly: America East Elite 18 Award for academic excellence
A Clash of Styles: Vermont’s Attack vs. Denver’s Defense
This semifinal promises an exciting tactical battle, as Vermont enters with the most goals in this year’s NCAA Tournament (10), while Denver boasts a perfect defensive record, having not conceded a single goal. Both teams are determined to secure their place in the national championship, making this matchup a must-watch event.
Etruesports remains committed to delivering in-depth coverage of the NCAA College Cup, celebrating Vermont’s remarkable achievements, and bringing fans the latest updates from this unforgettable season. Stay tuned for expert analysis and insights as the Catamounts aim for a national title.
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