No. 22 Florida State women’s soccer bounced back from Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame with a 2-1 victory over No. 5 Duke in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles entered the matchup looking to respond after being shut out 2-0 by Notre Dame. Facing another ranked ACC opponent, Florida State came out strong, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes.
With the win, Florida State improved to 8-2-3, while Duke fell to 9-2-4.
Florida State made several changes to its starting lineup, which included Wrianna Hudson, Shaneil
Buckley, Ryder Ajeto, Sam Erbach, Peyton McGovern, Nawreen Ahmad, Tanner Strickland, Grace Hoytink, Bridget Mutipula, Janet Okeke and Kate Ockene.
At 9:24, Buckley used her speed to make a run toward Duke’s goal. With the Blue Devils’ goalkeeper coming out to challenge, Buckley found an opening and scored to give the Seminoles an early 1-0 lead.
Florida State continued to pressure Duke’s defense, creating another opportunity that resulted in a corner kick.
At 12:47, Erbach delivered the corner kick into the box, finding Strickland in position to finish and extend the Seminoles’ lead to 2-0.
Duke responded with several offensive opportunities, but Ockene kept the Blue Devils from scoring early, recording saves at 19:56 and 20:39.
At 31:00, Duke’s Mia Minestrella found the back of the net after Ockene came off her line, cutting Florida State’s lead to 2-1.
The Seminoles nearly extended their lead again at 33:59, but Buckley’s shot went just wide to the right.
Florida State entered halftime holding a one-goal advantage over the Blue Devils.
In the second half, both teams continued creating scoring opportunities as Duke looked for an equalizer.
At 73:12, Ashley Henderson recorded a shot for Florida State, but Duke goalkeeper Molly Vapensky made the save.
The Seminoles also put together a series of passes to maintain possession, although they were unable to turn the opportunity into another goal.
At 81:32, Hudson had another chance to extend Florida State’s lead, but her shot missed to the left.
Despite Duke’s efforts to even the score, Florida State held on for the 2-1 victory. Ockene finished with four saves, while both teams recorded five shots on goal.
The Seminoles will travel to Coral Gables to face Miami on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m.
