URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning College Cup final, No. 1 Stanford was shut out by No. 3 Florida State with a final score of 1-0 Monday night in Kansas City. The decisive goal came with just 3 minutes left on the clock, marking a heartbreaking end for the Cardinal in their quest for the championship.
Despite dominating the match with 18 shots compared to Florida State’s 8, Stanford’s prolific offense faltered when it mattered most. The Cardinal, who led the nation this season with an average of 4 goals per game, struggled to find the net against a fierce Seminoles defense, anchored by goalie Kate Ockene, who made crucial saves throughout the match.
Florida State’s victory marked their third title in five years, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in women’s soccer. The game-winning moment occurred when a cross from Taylor Suarez deflected off Stanford defender Elise Evans directly to Wrianna Hudson, who one-timed the ball into the net, clinching the championship for the Seminoles.
Stanford’s loss also highlighted a concerning trend: the team had previously struggled to maintain their defensive composure in the final minutes of games. Coach Paul Ratcliffe noted at halftime that his team needed to sharpen their final passes and exhibit more composure under pressure, but ultimately, it was too late.
The Cardinal entered the match after a dominant NCAA Tournament run, outscoring opponents 22-5 over five games, including a semifinal victory over No. 2 Duke. However, Stanford’s star player Jasmine Aikey, who had contributed significantly throughout the tournament, was unable to secure the equalizer. Aikey had been pivotal in previous matches, including scoring the winning goal in the semifinal.
As the clock wound down, Stanford made a final push for an equalizer, with Stephanie Kohler going down in the Florida State box with only 13 seconds remaining. However, a video review concluded that no foul had been committed, sealing the Cardinal’s fate and ending their season in disappointment.
This match caps off the collegiate careers of several key players, including Aikey and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Elise Evans. Stanford, which has now fallen to 3-4 in championship games, last celebrated a title in 2019.
The loss is a shock to Stanford supporters, who had high hopes for a championship repeat. As fans reflect on this season, the emotional impact of the defeat will resonate deeply, particularly as the team looks to rebuild for future successes. All eyes will soon turn to next season as Stanford aims to return stronger than ever.
