BREAKING: In a stunning upset, the No. 1 Stanford women’s soccer team was shut out by No. 3 Florida State, losing 1-0 in the College Cup final held in Kansas City on November 27, 2023. This defeat marks the Cardinal’s second shutout this season and a heartbreaking end to their championship hopes.
With just 3:01 left on the clock, Florida State’s Wrianna Hudson scored the decisive goal, clinching the Seminoles’ third title in five years. Despite dominating the match with 18 shots compared to Florida State’s 8, Stanford could not find the back of the net, leaving fans and players devastated.
Stanford, boasting the nation’s most prolific offense, had averaged over 4 goals per game and had outscored opponents 22-5 in the tournament. Yet, they faltered when it mattered most, unable to convert chances against Florida State goalkeeper Kate Ockene. Ockene made critical saves against point-blank headers from Stanford’s Eleanor Klinger and Jasmine Aikey in the first half.
Florida State’s winning goal came after a scramble in the box, following a corner kick. A cross from Taylor Suarez was deflected by Stanford defender Elise Evans, allowing Hudson to capitalize. This victory continues the Seminoles’ legacy, marking their fifth national title, the second-most in NCAA history behind North Carolina’s 22.
Stanford’s coach, Paul Ratcliffe, expressed disappointment following the match, emphasizing 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,” Ratcliffe said. The Cardinal’s struggling offense was a stark contrast to their previous performances, where they had scored at least three goals in 17 of their last 24 matches.
The loss concludes the collegiate careers of standout players, including Aikey, the TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Year, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Elise Evans. Aikey had been instrumental throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to Stanford’s scoring. The Cardinal’s last championship win was in 2019, and they now hold a 3-4 record in championship appearances.
As Stanford reflects on this tough loss, the team’s resilience and determination will be tested in the future. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the program rebounds in the coming seasons after a season filled with promise and near misses.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the strongest teams can face unexpected challenges. Stanford will need to regroup and reassess as they look forward to building a championship-contending team for the next season.
