California State-Northridge and the University of California-Berkeley -- by 1-0 scores, both on overtime goals by Rowland.
SMU is making its second College Cup appearance, thanks in part to forward Duke Hashimoto. The senior, who has tallied 11 goals and seven assists this season, chipped in three goals and one helper on the way to the semifinals. Hashimoto is joined on the SMU roster by fellow combine invitee and midfielder David Chun. The Mustangs downed San Francisco 2-1 in the first round, then topped UCLA 3-0 and UNC Greensboro 3-1 before handing North Carolina a 3-2 overtime defeat to make it to College Cup.
The fourth College Cup club, Clemson, features a stout defense led by Justin Moore. The Tigers have allowed just 19 goals all year and have yet to concede one in the NCAA tournament. In addition to his defensive abilities, Moore is second on the team in assists with seven. The Tigers opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Coastal Carolina, then beat North Carolina State 3-0, Notre Dame 1-0 and Creighton 1-0. Clemson is playing in its seventh College Cup, having won titles in 1984 and 1987.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story is not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
