BREAKING NEWS: In a stunning upset, the top-ranked Stanford women’s soccer team was shut out by No. 3 Florida State, losing 1-0 in the College Cup final on December 4, 2023, in Kansas City. This marks the second time this season that the Cardinal (21-2-2) has failed to score, despite their reputation as the most prolific offense in the nation.
Florida State (16-2-4) clinched their third title in just five years with a dramatic goal from Wrianna Hudson, who netted the decisive score with only 3:01 remaining in the match. The Seminoles capitalized on a deflection from Stanford defender Elise Evans, sealing the win in a contest where Stanford dominated possession.
Despite outshooting Florida State 18-8, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal, Stanford could not find the back of the net. Their offensive struggles were highlighted by stellar saves from Florida State goalkeeper Kate Ockene, who denied key chances from Eleanor Klinger and Jasmine Aikey in the first half.
Stanford entered the final with an impressive record, having outscored opponents 22-5 during the NCAA Tournament. However, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly. Following the match, Stanford coach Paul Ratcliffe expressed the need for sharper execution in the final third. “Our final pass and our quality in the final third need to be a little sharper,” he stated during a halftime interview.
The Cardinal had been unbeaten in 17 straight matches, with Aikey leading the charge as a TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Year, contributing to all 13 NCAA Tournament games in her career. Yet, in a heartbreaking turn, Aikey and her teammates were unable to deliver when it mattered most.
The game’s lone goal came after a corner kick, illustrating Stanford’s vulnerability in the final moments of play, a recurring issue this season. The Cardinal had only conceded the first goal twice prior to this match, and Hudson’s goal marked a painful culmination of their defensive lapses.
In a last-ditch effort, Stanford pushed for an equalizer, and with just 13 seconds left, Stephanie Kohler fell in the box. However, after a video review, referees ruled no foul was committed, extinguishing Stanford’s hopes.
This match concluded the collegiate careers of several key players, including Aikey and all-ACC defensive standout Elise Evans. Stanford’s loss drops their championship record to 3-4, with their last title secured in 2019.
As fans and players process this emotional defeat, Stanford will now look to regroup for the upcoming season, while Florida State celebrates yet another monumental victory in women’s college soccer.
