CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The final weekend of September brings another strong Atlantic Coast Conference women’s soccer slate, with pivotal matchups across the footprint beginning Thursday, September 24.
Another conference top-25 matchup opens this week’s schedule on Thursday when No. 15 Notre Dame travels to No. 4 Duke for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ACC Network. After a slow start, the Fighting Irish have won three straight and remain unbeaten on the season (4-0-5), while the Blue Devils look to bounce back following their road setback at North Carolina last week. Notre Dame and Duke last met in the semifinals of the 2025 Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament, where the Fighting Irish fended off the Blue Devils, 2-1.
On Friday, September 25, another top-25 matchup awaits when top-ranked North Carolina visits No. 16 Virginia at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra. The Tar Heels have won six straight matches and are the No. 1 team in the latest IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches Poll for the first time this season. After not earning a result in their previous three matches, the Cavaliers broke their winless streak with a 3-0 victory over Miami last Thursday. Friday’s matchup marks the first meeting between North Carolina and Virginia since the 2024 season, when the Tar Heels defeated the Hoos, 3-2.
ACC Network will also broadcast the matchup between No. 22 Florida State and Louisville on Sunday, September 27, beginning at noon ET.
Upcoming Schedule (All Times ET)
Thursday, September 24
California at Boston College | 6 p.m. | ACCNX *
#15 Notre Dame at #4 Duke | 7 p.m. | ACCN *
Clemson at Miami | 7 p.m. | ACCNX *
Pitt at Syracuse | 7 p.m. | ACCNX *
Friday, September 25
#6 Stanford at SMU | 7 p.m. | ACCNX *
#1 North Carolina at #16 Virginia | 7 p.m. | ACCNX *
Sunday, September 27
#22 Florida State at Louisville | Noon | ACCN *
Boston College at Clemson | 1 p.m. | ACCNX *
#4 Duke at Pitt | 1 p.m. | ACCNX *
Fresno State at California | 5 p.m. | ACCNX
Virginia Tech at NC State | 6 p.m. | ACCNX *
* - ACC match
Noting ACC Women’s Soccer
• The 40th season of ACC Women's Soccer got underway on Wednesday, August 12.
• The ACC has seven teams in the latest IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches Poll, the most in the nation.
• The poll includes No. 1 North Carolina, No. 4 Duke, No. 5 Wake Forest, No. 6 Stanford, No. 15 Notre Dame, No. 16 Virginia and No. 22 Florida State. Clemson, Louisville and Virginia Tech are receiving votes.
• Seven ACC teams are also ranked among the top 25 of the RPI, tied for the most in the nation.
• The RPI top 25 includes No. 3 North Carolina, No. 5 Virginia, No. 6 Wake Forest, No. 10 Stanford, No. 11 Boston College, No. 22 Notre Dame and No. 25 Duke.
• North Carolina senior Lillah Blum was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week, while Stanford junior Lizzie Boamah was selected as the ACC Defensive Player of the Week. Notre Dame’s Sonoma Kasica was named the ACC Goalkeeper of the Week, while Miami striker Madelynn Sadusky was named the ACC Freshman of the Week for matches played September 14–20.
• Louisville goalkeeper Brielle Baker and North Carolina striker Lillah Blum were named to the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week.
• ACC teams have combined for 84 non-conference wins and a .798 winning percentage, both of which lead the nation.
• The 2026 Preseason ACC Coaches Poll and All-ACC Team were announced on Monday, August 3, with Notre Dame selected as the preseason favorite.
• A total of 13 players were named to the Preseason All-ACC Team, including 2025 first-team selections Mia Minestrella (Duke), Izzy Engle (Notre Dame), Annabelle Chukwu (Notre Dame) and Caroline Birkel (Stanford).
• Florida State earned the ACC's 27th national championship (24th since the ACC began sponsoring women's soccer) a season ago, bringing the total to 33 national championships among current ACC institutions. No school outside the ACC has won more than two championships.
• The Seminoles defeated Stanford, 1-0, in the 2025 national championship match, marking the second straight year that two ACC teams met for the national title and the third consecutive championship match featuring current ACC members.
• A total of 14 ACC standouts were named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List.