Soccer Falters on the Road at No. 3 FSU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The University of Miami women’s soccer team came up empty on the road Thursday, dropping its matchup with third-ranked Florida State 4-0 at the Seminoles Soccer Complex.
The Hurricanes (6-4-0, 1-4-0 ACC) found themselves facing a three-goal deficit by halftime thanks to a brace by Berglind Thorvaldsdottir before the midpoint whistle. A goal by Florida State midfielder Marta Bakowska-Mathews in the 82nd minute capped the scoring and clinched the victory for the host Seminoles (9-0-2, 4-0-1).
“I was disappointed in the result today,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “There were times of good soccer, but we have to stay plugged in for the entire 90 minutes.”
Miami was unable to replicate its success from the 2012 season, when it defeated the first-ranked Seminoles 1-0 to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship field.
Florida State bested the Hurricanes in the first period, tallying three goals before halftime. Despite a second half from freshman Catalina Perez that saw just one goal conceded, Miami’s offense was unable to solve an impressive Florida State defense that allowed just one shot the entire night.
The Hurricanes received 90-minute performances from a number of key contributors, including midfielder Betsy Middleton as well as defensive standouts Maddie Simms and Blake Stockton, but could not thwart the Seminoles. The hosts struck 16 minutes into the first frame on Thorvaldsdottir’s first strike, while her second goal of the night gave Florida State a decisive 2-0 lead by the 25th minute.
“I think our backs did a very good job today and shut down some key players,” Monroe said. “But it takes the entire team’s effort to find success.’
The Hurricanes have a nine-day break before returning to the pitch for a matchup with No. 5 Notre Dame Sunday, Oct. 6. Kickoff for the contest is set for 1 p.m. from Cobb Stadium.
“We will take the positives from the game and work on a few things going into our next match,” Monroe said.
