Men’s College Cup: Undefeated Lousville Meets North Carolina, Favored Akron Gets Rematch With Michigan

But with the beginning of College Cup tonight, the domestic soccer world gives its attention to the collegiate game. Starting at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, Santa Barbara will be the stage for soccer’s version of the Final Four, with a regular season rematch between Michigan and Akron featured after undefeated and top-ranked Louisville open the night against North Carolina.

Akron is the big name here. The Zips having beaten Michigan 7-1 earlier this year, Akron’s heavy favorites to advance to Sunday’s title game (and win the title). Attacker Darlington Nagbe has seven goals, 13 assists, as well as a nomination for the MAC Hermann Trophy (soccer’s Heisman). Having own their conference five years running and currently sporting an array of pro prospects, Akron’s become a type of collegiate soccer royalty. Coach Caleb Porter has drawn the attention of Major League Soccer, but for now, he’s working on a repeat.