The Florida State Seminoles advanced to the NCAA Tournament Third Round with a narrow 1-0 victory over Lipscomb. This match took place on a chilly Thursday afternoon at Shaw Field in Washington, D.C. The victory marks the 22nd time FSU has reached this stage in the tournament history.
Key Stats and Highlights
With this win, Florida State improved its NCAA Tournament record to 85 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws. They are now 22-2-1 in Second Round matches. Notably, this victory also signifies the seventh time in the last eight years that the Seminoles have progressed to the Third Round.
- Total Shots: FSU 20, Lipscomb 4
- Shots on Goal: FSU 6, Lipscomb 1
- Corner Kicks: FSU 7, Lipscomb 1
A Strong Defensive Performance
Florida State’s defense was particularly impressive, achieving their 11th clean sheet of the season. Freshman goalkeeper Kate Ockene secured her third consecutive shutout, making one save during the match. The FSU defense successfully thwarted several late opportunities from Lipscomb, preserving the lead.
Game-Winning Goal
Senior defender Heather Gilchrist scored the solitary goal of the match in the 24th minute. Assisted by sophomore midfielder Taylor Suarez during a corner kick, Gilchrist quickly capitalized on a rebound to secure the win. This goal marks Gilchrist’s first in postseason play, bringing her seasonal total to four and overall career goals to five.
Offensive Control
The Seminoles dominated offensively, controlling much of the match play. Junior forward Jordynn Dudley led the team with five shots, including two on goal. Freshman forward Nyanya Touray, making her first start of the season, came close to scoring early in the match.
In the first half alone, FSU outshot Lipscomb 12-1 and maintained an edge in corner kicks. The negotiations for an extended lead continued into the second half, with numerous attempts to penetrate the Bisons’ defense. However, Lipscomb’s goalkeeper delivered an impressive performance, making five saves overall.
Next Steps for the Seminoles
Florida State will remain at Shaw Field for their upcoming match against the winner of the No. 2-seed Georgetown and No. 7-seed West Virginia matchup. This pivotal Third Round encounter is scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at 12 p.m. ET.
For ongoing updates regarding the FSU soccer team, visit El-Balad for the latest news and schedule changes.
