Syracuse falls to No. 7 FSU in ACC matchup

Syracuse women’s soccer fell 4-0 to a dominant No. 7 Florida State Sunday afternoon at SU Soccer Stadium.   

The Orange entered the matchup with a 4-1-4 record, looking for their first ACC win of the season. FSU came in 5-0-1 record, after opening conference play with a 2-0 victory over Louisville.

The Seminoles have dominated the series with the Orange, holding a 7-0-1 advantage over Syracuse. The two teams met last season and the Seminoles defeated the Orange, 5-1.    

Syracuse was tested early, facing four shots, one of them being on goal, in the opening 20 minutes. Senior goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch made a key save to keep the game scoreless.

With a bend-but-don’t-break mentality, the Orange defense recorded three blocks against the FSU offense halfway through the first half.       

Photo by Jamarri Clark

Syracuse midfielder Olivia Bozzo makes a pass to defender Jasmine Nixon during Saturday’s game against Florida State SU Soccer Stadium.

The Orange showed moments of brilliance in the transition up the pitch throughout the first half but struggled to sustain much offensive success.    

The best chance of the first half for Syracuse came off a corner, which saw senior Mia Klammer head a ball in scoring position, but FSU keeper Evan O’Steen had the highlight save of the first half to keep the game tied 0-0.        

Momentum carried FSU, with the first goal of the match coming in the 43rd minute. The Seminoles executed a beautiful passing play with Marianyela Jimenez playing a through ball to Peyton Nourse, who then laid it off for Solai Washington.  

At the end of the first half, FSU led the Orange 1-0. The Seminoles also led in shots and shots on goal, dominating the half with most of the possession.     

“For the first 45 minutes we played well and unfortunately we did not stick to our identity and focus on the details in the second half,” head coach Nicky Thrasher Adams said.  

FSU wasted no time after the break. Mya Brandon scored in the opening minutes of the second half putting one past Vanderbosch to double the lead. 

In the 61st minute of the game, FSU continued their strong 2nd half start with Wrianna Hudson tapping in a goal from a feed across the six-yard box from Enasia Colon, extending the lead 3-0.     

Photo by Jamarri Clark

Syracuse goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch recoups after Florida State’s third goal at the SU Soccer Stadium on Saturday.

“They’re special right, they’re very tall, they’re very fast, very strong, and they can play back to goal, but then they can go one-on-one and then be great in there,” Thrasher Adams said.  

The second half struggles would only continue for the Orange with an own goal, giving the Seminoles a 4-0 lead.    

Late in the second half, Vanderbosch went down briefly with an injury but stayed in the game after being checked by trainers. 

FSU came into the rankings as one of the best teams in the country and showcased why they were for a full 90 minutes.  

 “They’re relentless, they just clobber you, and so much pressure goes around you on the ball,” Thrasher Adams said.  

FSU improved to 6-0-1 and 2-0-0 in conference play. They now have their sights on North Carolina this Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the road in Chapel Hill.   

The Orange move to 4-2-4 overall and 0-1-1 in ACC play. The Orange will look for their first ACC win Saturday at 7 p.m. at home against No. 5 Virginia.