CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Florida State (9-2-3) secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Virginia (10-2-3) in Atlantic Coast Conference action on Thursday evening at Klöckner Stadium. The back-and-forth contest featured multiple lead changes before the Seminoles emerged victorious in front of 2,847 fans.
Addison Halpern put Virginia ahead in the 49th minute, connecting on a well-placed assist from Olivia Rademaker. Florida State's Jordynn Dudley responded with two goals - first in the 59th minute from a Yuna McCormack and Kameron Simmonds combination, then again in the 64th minute off Sophia Nguyen's setup. Virginia's Meredith McDermott leveled the score in the 79th minute from Halpern's assist, but Wrianna Hudson netted the winner for FSU in the 89th minute off Dudley's feed.
The first half saw both teams create quality chances despite remaining scoreless. Florida State's Solai Washington tested Virginia's defense with a blocked shot in the 31st minute, while Janet Okeke and Dudley both had attempts sail high. Virginia's defensive unit, anchored by Laney Rouse, held firm against the Seminoles' pressure, limiting clear scoring opportunities.
The second half erupted with offensive activity as both teams abandoned their cautious first-half approaches. Florida State's tactical adjustment to push Dudley higher up the pitch paid dividends with her brace. Virginia responded by introducing fresh legs, with Meredith McDermott's entrance proving crucial for their late equalizer. The match's intensity peaked in the final ten minutes, culminating in Hudson's decisive strike.
Florida State held a statistical advantage, outshooting Virginia 15-11 with eight shots on target compared to Virginia's five. The Seminoles also earned seven corner kicks to Virginia's five. The physical match saw seven total fouls, with FSU's Sophia Nguyen receiving the lone yellow card in the 80th minute for unsporting behavior.
Dudley's two-goal performance highlighted her growing importance to Florida State's attack, while her late assist demonstrated her all-around offensive contribution. Virginia's Halpern showed remarkable efficiency, scoring once and providing an assist in her limited minutes. Defensive standouts included Virginia's Carrie Helfrich and FSU's Wrianna Hudson, who capped her solid defensive showing with the winning goal.
The tactical battle showcased Florida State's effective use of wide areas, with Yuna McCormack and Kameron Simmonds providing crucial width that stretched Virginia's defense. The Cavaliers' high-pressing strategy created turnovers but left them occasionally vulnerable to FSU's quick transitions.
This victory extends Florida State's unbeaten streak to two matches following their draw against California, while Virginia suffers their second consecutive loss after falling to Stanford. The result strengthens FSU's position in the ACC standings as they continue their push for conference honors.
The match ultimately turned on Florida State's superior finishing and tactical discipline in the crucial moments. Despite Virginia's resilient performance and late equalizer, the Seminoles' ability to strike in the closing minutes proved decisive. Both teams demonstrated why they're among the ACC's elite programs in a contest that lived up to its billing.
Florida State returns to action on October 30 when they host Wake Forest, while Virginia looks to rebound at home against Pittsburgh on October 26.