Florida State Scores Late Goal to Defeat Stanford 1-0 in Women’s College Cup
In a thrilling matchup in the Women’s College Cup final, No. 3 Florida State triumphed over No. 1 Stanford with a late goal, securing a 1-0 victory. This clash was a rematch of the 2023 national championship, where the Seminoles had previously dominated with a 5-1 win.
Florida State’s Dominant Path
Florida State entered the tournament with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws. The Seminoles have shown remarkable consistency over the last decade, making the College Cup five times in the past six years. They celebrated national championships in 2018, 2021, and 2023, underscoring their competitive prowess.
Throughout the NCAA tournament, Florida State outscored its opponents with a staggering 12 goals to 2. In the semifinals, they secured a shutout against No. 2 TCU, winning 1-0. This victory marked the team’s 12th shutout of the season. Notably, their last defeat occurred on October 16 against Stanford, a 2-1 setback. The final match presented them with an opportunity for revenge and an aim to claim a fifth national title.
Stanford’s Impressive Run
Stanford, boasting a record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, entered the final as the top seed. Their path to the championship showcased their offensive strength. In earlier rounds, the Cardinal defeated Cal Poly 3-1, outscored No. 8 Alabama 7-3, and dominated No. 5 BYU 6-0. They continued their impressive form by beating No. 2 Michigan State 5-1 and secured a narrow 1-0 victory over No. 2 Duke in the semifinals.
With a total of 22 goals scored and only 5 conceded during these matches, Stanford emerged as a formidable contender. They carried a streak of 17 consecutive victories into this final, but the quest for their first national title since 2019 would face a significant challenge.
Key Statistics
- Florida State Record: 15-2-4
- Seminoles shutouts: 12 this season
- Stanford Record: 21-1-2
- Goals Scored by Stanford: 22
- Goals Conceded by Stanford: 5
- Stanford 17-match winning streak
This exciting championship presented a classic showdown in women’s college soccer, showcasing the top talents and fierce competition between two dominant programs. Ultimately, Florida State’s late goal not only secured the victory but also etched another chapter in their storied history in women’s collegiate soccer.
