Florida State is making a strong case that it can defend its NCAA Division I women’s title. The Seminoles put consistent pressure on North Carolina and were rewarded with a 1-0 win over the Tar Heelsin a battle of the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in Soccer America’s Top 25 rankings. Florida State, which shut down a much-improved Carolina attack, has allowed just one goal — an own goal against Clemson– over the last 898 minutes.
The win extended the Seminoles’ unbeaten streak against ACC teams to 17 games while the Tar Heels, who had lost their first loss of the season to Louisvilleon Thursday, suffered back-to-back losses for just the eighth time in program history.
“Overall, our performance was very solid,” said FSU head coach Mark Krikorian. “We limited the number of chances they had at our goal and I thought that in the first half we had some very good looks. To play a team of that quality and find away to win, it is satisfying.”
FSU had the first good chance in the 31st minute when freshman star Megan Connolly found
The Noles closed out the first half with a 12-5 lead in shots and continued pepper the Carolina goal early in the second half afterBryane Heaberlin was swapped for Lindsey Harris in goal.
Near the hour mark, Connolly’s free kick wassaved by Harris on a diving stop and Natalia Kuikka was able to get a foot on the rebound, but her shot was also saved by the UNC keeper.
“We certainly hoped we’d be able to get some opportunities in and around the penalty box,” said Krikorian. “At different times, we were able to break their pressure and findplayers that were open and in good positions. Fortunately, we were able to find the game-winner in the second half.”
The game-winner came in the 79th minute when a drop kick fromFSU goalkeeper Cassie Miller bounced over the UNC backline and found Thorvaldsdottir, who struck a shot on her first touch into the left side of the net for hersixth goal of the season.
“Cassie punted the ball and it got through and a lot of things ran through my mind,” said Thorvaldsdottir. “‘Should I chip it over,should I get closer?’ But I guess I made the right choice. It felt so good. They are a physical team, but I think we matched them well and it was a good game. It felt really good to score thegoal.”