Coming Back on Track

The Start of ACC Tournament Play for FSU Women's Soccer

Photo by RonJonMan on Flickr / CC BY-SA 4.0

With pre-season and pre-conference games wrapped up, there is a lot to look forward to in the start of the Atlantic Coast Conference game play for the Florida State University Women's soccer team. The No. 7-ranked Florida State women's soccer team is 6-0-1 in pre-conference game play. Due to FSU having one of the toughest schedules in the ACC, new and returning players are being put to the test, with a deep roster of 27 players allowing space for modifications when dealing with injuries.

Following a disappointing end to last season, when FSU got upset against Vanderbilt in a penalty shoot out in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Head Coach Brian Pensky has been preparing the Seminoles for success throughout the team, and especially focusing on the defensive line.

“Early games are all about three things: staying healthy, getting results, and starting to learn things about individuals and collectively as a team,” Pensky says in an interview with Noles 247, a sports channel dedicated to covering Seminole Athletics. “All things defensive transition, limiting opposition moments and recognizing game situations and learning when to be direct or keep the ball is very important.” 

Last year, the Seminoles modified their back line from four defensive players to three to create a more defensively stable team. Due to having three centerbacks, the last defenders on a team, two wingbacks and the players hugging both side lines, the team will be more defensive minded and create more opportunities to get the ball through the midfield. This can become an easier way to release attacking pressure from opposing teams and create more opportunities to utilize Jordan Dudley, FSU’s top striker that's known for her speed and quick attacks.

“When you play in a three back, there are wingbacks so it’s actually more defensive; this creates less pressure on the midfield,” freshman Quinn Frazee said. “This makes more opportunities to switch the field, move up and play out wide which allows them to switch into the box with a cross creating dangerous situations."

The ACC is known for having competitive competition, and with the upcoming game against No. 1  ranked Stanford on Thursday, Oct. 16, focus is more important than ever. Returning players are ready for rematches against teams they lost to last season, and with 2024 graduate Taylor Huff no longer in the midfield, new players are also ready to make a big impact.

“I think Florida State did really well with a lot of their non-conference games, and I'm excited to see how they handle more competitive competition, because the ACC is definitely the more competitive conference, and with teams like UNC and Wake Forest, they will definitely have some more tough times but hopefully come in more prepared,” Maclay girls soccer Head Coach Sara VanTassel said. "With the old players from last season, I'm sure they left on a sour note, and as for the new ones, I’m sure over the off season they were making sure they were prepared and not let negativity affect their game.”

With the first three games down with a 2-0 win against Louisville on Sept. 11th, a 4-0 win at Syracuse on September 14th, and a 1-0 win at number 18 North Carolina on Sept. 17th, FSU is on track for a 12th ACC championship. With new players and seniors ready to make a lasting mark, this could be their year.