Seminole Sunday Summary: FSU Soccer Heads Back to College Cup

For the third time in four years, Florida State soccer is bound for the College Cup. The top-seeded Seminoles punched their ticket to California this week with a pair of 1-0 victories.

Last Sunday, FSU used an early goal to knock off Pepperdine. On Friday, a goal with less than a minute remaining in overtime lifted the Seminoles past Michigan.

In Sunday’s win over the Waves, it was Jody Brown, who used her speed to move past defenders before finding the net in the fifth minute. Clara Robbins and Jaelin Howell each assisted on the goal. FSU held the edge in shots, 9-4.

On Friday late in overtime, Gabby Carle kicked one toward the net. Howell was able to draw Michigan goalkeeper Hillary Beall toward her, leaving the net open for Beata Olsson to score the game-winner. Carle and Howell both were rewarded with assists.

FSU held the slight edge in shots, 10-8. Goalie Cristina Roque was huge for the Seminoles, recording four saves.

After falling to Santa Clara for the national championship last season, FSU will have to beat Rutgers on Friday night to make a return trip. The winner will face the victor between BYU and Santa Clara for college soccer’s ultimate prize.

Football

Record: 5-7 (4-4 ACC)
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (0-1), lost at Florida on Saturday, 24-21
Recognitions: Keir Thomas, DE (ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week); Akeem Dent, DB (ACC Defensive Back of the Week)
Weekly Commitments: None
Weekly Decommitments: None
2022 Recruiting Class Ranking*: No. 13 nationally, third in ACC (16 total commitments)*
Big Picture: FSU won five of its final eight games after an 0-4 start, but will come up one win shy of a bowl appearance.

Soccer

Record: 20-1-2
Ranking: No. 1 United Soccer Coaches; No. 1 NCAA Tournament
Past Week: (2-0), beat Pepperdine in Sweet 16 on Sunday, 1-0; beat Michigan in Elite Eight on Friday, 1-0
Upcoming: vs. Rutgers (Friday, College Cup)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: For the third time in four years, FSU is headed to the College Cup.

Volleyball

Record: 19-9 (11-7 ACC)
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (0-2), lost to Notre Dame on Wednesday, 3-0; lost to Georgia Tech on Friday, 3-0
Upcoming: TBA (NCAA Tournament)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: FSU closes the regular season with three straight home losses. The Seminoles will find out their NCAA Tournament fate on Sunday night.

Men’s Basketball

Record: 5-1
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (3-0), beat Loyola Marymount in Jacksonville Classic on Sunday, 73-45; defeated Missouri in Jacksonville Classic on Monday, 81-58; beat Boston University in Jacksonville Classic on Wednesday in overtime, 81-80
Upcoming: at Purdue (ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Tuesday); vs. Syracuse (Saturday)
Weekly Commitments: None
Weekly Decommitments: None
2022 Recruiting Class Ranking*: No. 21 nationally, seventh in ACC (6 total commitments)*
Big Picture: After winning a pair of games convincingly in Jacksonville, FSU needed a buzzer beat to top Boston University on Wednesday night.

Women’s Basketball

Record: 4-2
Ranking: No. 17 AP; No. 22 Amway Coaches
Past Week: (0-2), beat Grambling State on Sunday, 76-53; lost to BYU in St. Pete Showcase on Thursday, 61-54; fell to Purdue in St. Pete Showcase on Saturday, 66-61
Upcoming: at Illinois (ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Thursday)
Big Picture: After a strong start, FSU had an extremely disappointing showing in St. Petersburg.

Track and Field

Ranking: Men No. 7 USTFCCCA, No. 2 South USTFCCA; Women No. 11 South USTFCCA
Upcoming: Clemson Opener (Friday); Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener (Saturday)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: FSU will participate in two events this week before getting into its full schedule in January.

*Rankings according to 247Sports Composite

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