WASHINGTON, D.C. — #3 Florida St. delivered a statement performance against #2 Georgetown on Sunday, claiming a 3-1 victory in front of 1,625 fans at the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship. The Seminoles, riding a three-game winning streak, proved too clinical for the second-seeded Hoyas, who entered the match unbeaten in their last two contests. The result sends Florida St. into the tournament's next round while halting Georgetown's momentum in a tightly contested bracket.
The first half remained scoreless despite both teams creating chances. Georgetown's Maja Lardner and Natalie Means tested Florida St.'s defense early, while Taylor Suarez and Peyton McGovern generated opportunities on the other end. The Seminoles controlled stretches of possession but couldn't find the breakthrough before halftime, with neither goalkeeper forced into difficult saves during a cagey opening 45 minutes.
Florida St. broke through in the 40th minute when Mimi Van Zanten finished a chance set up by Peyton Nourse, giving the visitors a crucial 1-0 lead heading into the break. The goal shifted momentum decisively in the Seminoles' favor and set the tone for what would become a dominant second-half display.
The second half belonged entirely to Florida St. Nyanya Touray doubled the lead in the 47th minute, extending the advantage to 2-0 and seemingly putting the match out of reach. Georgetown briefly threatened when Mary Cochran pulled one back in the 57th minute, but the Hoyas couldn't sustain any offensive pressure. Jaida McGrew sealed the result with a third goal in the 78th minute, ending any hope of a Georgetown comeback.
Florida St. dominated the statistical battle, outshooting Georgetown 10-9 overall and 5-5 on target. The Seminoles' defense was equally impressive, forcing Georgetown into difficult positions throughout. While the Hoyas earned five corner kicks to Florida St.'s two, they couldn't convert their set-piece opportunities into meaningful chances. The Seminoles' goalkeeper made four saves to Georgetown's two, reflecting the visitors' control of the match. FSU now plays Ohio State.
Van Zanten's opening goal proved decisive, arriving at a moment when the match remained delicately balanced. Touray's quick strike after halftime essentially decided the contest, showcasing Florida St.'s ability to capitalize on early second-half opportunities. McGrew's late goal provided the final punctuation on