Florida State Triumphs Over TCU in NCAA Women’s Soccer Semifinals

CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, set the stage for a wild showdown. The Florida State Seminoles Soccer team, seeded No. 3, pulled off a 1-0 win over the No. 2 seed TCU Horned Frogs in the NCAA Women’s College Cup Semifinal.

This victory sends the Seminoles to their eighth College Cup Championship appearance. They now hold a 15-2-4 season record and have a real shot at adding another star to their jerseys.

TCU wrapped up an impressive 18-3-3 season and a 12-game unbeaten streak, but their first-ever College Cup run ends here. Head coach Brian Pensky and his squad are turning their focus to Monday night’s final.

Florida State’s Road to Victory

The Seminoles have relied on sharp strategy and big-time performances all season. In the semifinal, Wrianna Hudson broke through in the 73rd minute, finishing off assists from Peyton McGovern and Sophia Nguyen.

That goal gave Hudson her 14th of the year and showed just how clutch she can be. Coach Pensky pointed to her composure under pressure as a game-changer.

Key Highlights from the Semifinal Match

• Wrianna Hudson’s Goal: Hudson’s 73rd-minute strike, set up by McGovern and Nguyen, marked her fourth game-winner this season.
• Defensive Prowess: FSU goalkeeper Kate Ockene came up with two big saves, including one at the buzzer, locking in her third shutout in five postseason games.
• Shot Advantage: The Seminoles fired off 15 shots to TCU’s 7, and held an 8-2 edge in shots on target.

Historical Context and Achievements

Florida State’s latest College Cup Championship appearance speaks to their incredible consistency. The Seminoles have built a powerhouse program, boasting an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 88-19-6.

This is their 15th trip to the College Cup and their eighth time playing for the title.

Past National Championships

FSU has notched four National Championships over the past 12 seasons—2014, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Coach Brian Pensky, now in his fourth year, led them to their most recent title last season.

They’re hungry for another, and honestly, who could blame them?

Coach Pensky’s Strategy and Vision

Coach Pensky’s approach has shaped this team’s identity. He talks a lot about staying sharp and always finding ways to get better.

After the semifinal, he praised the team’s effort but insisted they’ll need to dig even deeper for the championship.

Preparing for the Final

With just 71 hours between matches, Pensky is hammering home the need for recovery and focus. The team’s all-in on doing whatever it takes to be ready for Monday night.

Looking Ahead: The Championship Match

Florida State will take on the winner of the No. 1 seed Stanford vs. No. 2 seed Duke semifinal. The championship game is set for Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m. ET, live on ESPNU from CPKC Stadium.

It’s shaping up to be a high-stakes finish to an already electric season.

Potential Matchup Scenarios

Stanford and Duke both bring serious talent and unique styles. Whichever team lines up against the Seminoles, it’s going to take all of FSU’s experience and tactical savvy to come out on top.

Conclusion

The Florida State Seminoles showed real grit and skill this season. Their win over TCU in the College Cup Semifinal says a lot about their determination and sharp strategy.

Now, with the championship match coming up, the Seminoles are right on the edge of making more history. They’re chasing what could be their fifth National Championship in the last 12 seasons—pretty wild when you think about it.

If you want more in-depth coverage or just some great photos from the semifinal, check out the official page.