FSU Soccer Outlasts USC on Penalty Kicks, One Win from College Cup

For the first time since 2015, Florida State soccer is one win away from the College Cup. The Seminoles needed penalty kicks in Tallahassee on Sunday, but ultimately prevailed over USC in the NCAA Tournament round of 16.

The contest was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and overtime, prompting penalty kicks to break the tie. After each team made their first four ties, USC’s Leah Pruitt finally missed. FSU freshman Yujie Zhao proceeded to connect to give the Seminoles (17-4-3) the victory.

For the second straight NCAA Tournament contest, FSU trailed early. The lone goal of the first half came from USC as Penelope Hocking found the back of the net for an unassisted goal.

It wasn’t until the 65th minute when Dallas Dorosy evened the match for FSU with the help of assists from Malia Berkely and Jaelin Howell. Kaylie Collins finished with nine saves in the contest for the Women of Troy (17-3-2).

FSU outshot USC by a 21-12 margin and had 10 shots on goal to just four for USC. Caroline Jeffers got her fifth start in goal for FSU in place of injured Brooke Bollinger and finished with three saves.

With the win, FSU moves on to the final of its regional final where it will host Penn State. The Nittany Lions defeated Wake Forest on Sunday, 1-0.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson