Once again the College Cup is upon us. While this game has little to do with MLS as a whole, it's nice to see the current top crop of NCAA soccer prospects, especially since many of them are probably looking at MLS as an entry to playing professionally. A few are probably already signed up for Generation Adidas as well.
I'm not personally intimate with college soccer so my own knowledge on the players and the games are a bit rough. Instead I'll point you guys to MLSsoccer's brief preview of the match.
Here's what they have to say:
Entering as the No. 1 seed in the tournament, the Tar Heels are the overwhelming favorites to hoist their first national title since 2001 when the sides square off at Regions Park. But as Charlotte have shown during their unexpected tournament run, they simply can’t be counted out.
The 49ers advanced to the final using a familiar formula – tight, rigid defending, while capitalizing on opposition mistakes and taking advantage of their prowess from the penalty spot. Still, shutting down North Carolina, which boasts one of the nation’s best attacks, is going to be a mighty task. The two sides already met earlier this year in August, a rain-shortened exhibition match that the Tar Heels won 2-1.
Plus more, including "Key Matchups." Really it's a great introductory to both teams if you're unfamiliar.
One player on UNC that I've been watching is Matthew Hedges a player that is considered to be the best defender in the NCAA right now. While he'll probably get taken before Portland's #8 spot, I think he'd be the best pick up in the draft for Portland right now. So keep an eye on him if you watch the game today.