URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the No. 1 ranked Stanford women’s soccer team was shut out 1-0 by No. 3 Florida State in the College Cup final on November 27, 2023, in Kansas City. This devastating loss marks only the second time this season that Stanford (21-2-2) has failed to score, dashing their hopes for a national title.
Florida State (16-2-4) clinched their victory with just 3 minutes left in regulation, securing their third championship in five years. The only goal of the match came from Wrianna Hudson, who capitalized on a deflected cross from Taylor Suarez, sending the ball into the net and sealing Stanford’s fate.
Despite dominating possession and outshooting the Seminoles 18-8, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal, Stanford’s prolific offense could not find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Kate Ockene made crucial saves, denying point-blank shots from key players Eleanor Klinger and Jasmine Aikey.
The loss is particularly crushing for Stanford, which led the nation with an average of four goals per game and had outscored their opponents 22-5 in the NCAA tournament. Coach Paul Ratcliffe expressed frustration at halftime, stating that the team needed to connect more passes and improve their composure in the final third. “Our final pass and our quality in the final third need to be a little sharper,” he said.
Stanford’s defense, which had been strong throughout the tournament, faltered in the final minutes once again, a recurring issue this season. Hudson’s goal marked only the second time Stanford conceded first in a game this year.
The Cardinal made a desperate push for an equalizer, with a controversial moment occurring in the final seconds when Stephanie Kohler fell in the Florida State box. After a video review, officials determined no foul was committed, effectively ending Stanford’s title hopes.
The game also capped the college careers of standout players like Jasmine Aikey, who led the team with 21 goals this season and was a key contributor throughout the tournament. Stanford, which has now fallen to 3-4 in championship games, last won the title in 2019 and has made three consecutive College Cup appearances.
This loss is not just a setback for the team but also a poignant moment for the players and fans, who had high hopes for another championship run. As Stanford reflects on this heart-wrenching defeat, attention will shift to the future of the team and the next season’s aspirations.
The impact of this match will resonate within the Stanford community as they come to terms with the end of an impressive season, characterized by skill and determination but ultimately marked by disappointment in the final match. With Florida State’s victory, the Seminoles now boast five national titles, trailing only North Carolina’s 22 championships.
Stay tuned for further updates as the fallout from this pivotal match continues to unfold.
