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The University of Maryland is back in the College Cup for the first time since 2008, which is the year they last won it all. Patrick Mullins carried Maryland to the win with two goals - one in the 11th minute and another in the 76th minute. Mullins finished the game with four shots - three of which were on goal.
A foul in the 77th minute in Maryland's box committed by FC Dallas Academy product Dan Metzger gave Virginia an opportunity to cut the lead in half. Todd Wharton converted the penalty kick, but couple of fantastic saves late in the game from goalkeeper Zack Steffen helped Maryland hold on for the win. A box score from the game can be found here.
Notre Dame and Maryland will face off at 3:00 PM ET (2:00 PM Chicago time) on Sunday, December 15.
Highlights from both games
NCAA's website has highlights of both Friday night's games.
Notre Dame v. New Mexico
Maryland v. Virginia
MAC Hermann Trophy Finalists Face-off
The big story line of Sunday's game is going to be Harrison Shipp versus Patrick Mullans. Both players had significant impacts on the outcomes of Friday nights' games, and the performances of both players will likely decide who will be hoisting the trophy on Sunday.
NCAA.com followed up each game with features on the two stars with quotes on their thoughts of the games. In the feature on Mullan, he talked about how he scored both of his goals against Virginia:
"Both brilliant balls," Mullins said. "Great vision from both [Mikias Eticha] and Tsubasa [Endoh] on the goals. As a forward, all you can do is make hard runs and hope the ball gets there. When you have great players feeding you the ball, more times than not, they’re going to get there. I got two great services, and I made sure to put them away."
For Shipp, he talked about Notre Dame's first goal and how the play developed:
"I think I picked the ball up and the guy tried to foul me, he grabbed me from behind," Shipp said. "I just kind of spun out of it, and I’m pretty sure they thought the ref was going to call a foul, so the guy on me kind of froze. I saw Patrick [Hodan] making a run and I figured instead of playing it out wide, I’d wait a second and try to get him going inside because he’s great on his left foot. It worked out perfectly; he took a touch and played it right inside the post, just like Patrick does most games."
Sunday's final can be seen live on ESPNU or Watch ESPN.
