The three-time national champions are once again killing the game. So far in the season, the Florida State University (FSU) Women’s soccer team is unbeatable with only two ties and the rest wins. Last year, they celebrated a victorious win in the Women’s College Cup, being named National Champions for the third time. They were previously named national champions in 2014 and 2018 as well. Following their successful 2021 season, there was a worry if they could keep up the momentum for this season, especially with a new coach. However, they have proven they have not lost any steam and are looking better than ever.
Coach Mark Krikorian stepped away from his position as head soccer coach after 17 seasons but did not go without leaving a legacy. He finished at FSU with a 310-67-36 career record according to the Tallahassee Democrat. After the announcement in March, Florida State President, Richard McCollough, stated “…we’re saddened that Coach Krikorian will be leaving FSU; he is one of the most successful coaches in collegiate women’s soccer history, and we are grateful for his years of service, his dedication to our student-athletes and the glory he brought to our university.”
In April, Brian Pensky was named head coach by FSU Vice President of Director of Athletics, Michael Alford. Pensky affirmed that “Florida State’s soccer program is regarded as one of, if not the best, in the country, and rightfully so. The opportunity to be a part of this great program with the remarkable tradition is an honor. What Mark [Krikorian] did here over the last 17 years is unparalleled in our game. Simply put, he has been the best in the business.” Pensky was awarded 2021 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year and won the 2021 SEC Tournament Championship during his time at the University of Tennessee.
With Florida State soccer’s high reputation, players from all over the world are attracted to playing for them. Not only does the team have players from all over the country, ranging from California to Kansas to right here in Florida, but they have a handful of international players as well. The international players come from a variety of countries, including England, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, Jamaica, Bermuda, Portugal and Canada. The level of diversity in the team alone shows how well-known Florida State soccer is around the world.
As previously stated, so far the FSU women’s soccer team has not lost yet. Their first game against No. 12 University of South Carolina on Aug. 18 was a tie and they went on to win their match against University of Georgia on Aug. 21. Then, they tied again with No. 16 Auburn on Aug. 25 for their first home game. The month of September has certainly been lucky for them – for four straight games they beat their opponents (University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Rice University) 5-0, aside from beating Boston College 6-0 on Sept. 16. Most recently, they had great home wins for their matches on Sept. 22 against Louisville where they won 5-1 and Sept. 25 against No. 14 Clemson 3-1.
They have seven more matches coming up before the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Soccer Championship on Oct. 30. The team has an astounding 33 goals in the past nine games, whereas their opponents have only had four.
The next home game will be Thursday, Oct. 13 against Duke University at 6 p.m. For more information on their schedule, you can visit their official website. Tickets are free for FSU students. Their amazing 7-0-2 season is hopefully not short-lived. Make sure to keep supporting the FSU Women’s Soccer team so they can make it to another National Championship!
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