On Saturday night, Florida State soundly defeated Miami by a score of 3-0. The win marked their seventh consecutive victory and their fourth consecutive shutout against Atlantic Coast Conference opposition. The Seminoles are now 4-0 against ACC opponents and have not lost since the beginning of September to BR-3 Florida. The Seminoles have not appeared outside of the HeroSports Top 5 this season, and with their spectacular run, look primed for a run at a title this fall.
Florida State has scored in every match this season, succeeding in finding ways to create scoring opportunities. The Icelandic striker duo of Berglind Thorvaldsdottir and Dagny Brynjarsdottir has excelled in attack, and the pair has netted sixteen goals so far this season. Berglind scored twice yesterday in the match against Miami, with both goals coming off of assists from Brynjarsdottir. During both goals, Thorvaldsdottir was played into space and expertly rounded the keeper before finishing. The two assists for Brynjarsdottir were her first of the season.
The back four of Megan Campbell, Kirsten Crowley, Kristin Grubka, and Emma Koivisto have been a consistent backbone for the Seminoles defense this season. Yesterday, they only allowed three shots over the ninety minutes, allowing the Seminole attack to focus on breaking down the opposition defense. Crowley and Grubka have played every minute so far this season in front of goalkeeper Cassie Miller.
Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Cassie Miller has been outstanding this season, allowing only six goals in twelve matches. Miller has spent significant time playing with the United States Women’s National Team at several youth levels and is now proving her prowess in Division 1. Her eight shutouts on the season have only required her to make 22 saves, meaning that her defense has done commendable work in front of her this season. Yesterday was no different, with Florida State enjoying a 22 to 3 shooting advantage.
Perhaps the most influential figure on the pitch has been junior midfielder Carson Pickett. Pickett has had a phenomenal season so far, despite not scoring a single goal in this campaign. She has amassed 10 assists, which puts her among the leaders for Division 1. Fellow midfielder, Marta Bakowski-Matthews has been notched six goals on the
season, most of them coming in the role of super substitute. Vanderbilt transfer Cheyna Williams has been equally impressive and also notched six goals in her twelve matches this season.
With a wealth of attacking talent, a solid back line, and a consistent goalkeeper, Florida State has no obvious weaknesses. Their versatile attack comprised of four experienced players gives them an advantage over virtually every team they will face. As they enter the final stretch of their ACC schedule, they still have three difficult tests against BR-9 Virginia Tech, BR-8 North Carolina, and BR-22 Duke. If they are able to continue their run through October, they will be in prime position to challenge for a National Championship in November.
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