UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the No. 1 Stanford women’s soccer team was defeated 1-0 by No. 3 Florida State in the College Cup final on December 4, 2023, in Kansas City. This loss marks only the second time this season that the Cardinal has been shut out.
With just 3:01 left on the clock, Florida State’s Wrianna Hudson delivered a decisive blow after a chaotic scramble in the box, securing the Seminoles’ third title in five years. Despite dominating the game with 18 shots to FSU’s 8, Stanford was unable to capitalize on its scoring chances, facing a stellar performance from Seminoles’ goalie Kate Ockene, who denied crucial opportunities from Eleanor Klinger and Jasmine Aikey.
The Cardinal, who led the nation with an average of 4 goals per game, found themselves frustrated as they failed to convert their numerous attempts into goals. Coach Paul Ratcliffe expressed disappointment at halftime, emphasizing the need for sharper passing and composure in the attacking third. “Our final pass and our quality in the final third need to be a little sharper,” Ratcliffe stated.
Florida State’s victory not only showcased its defensive prowess but also highlighted a season-long struggle for Stanford in the final moments of games. The Cardinal conceded the first goal only for the second time this season, a trend that ultimately caught up with them in this critical match.
In a last-ditch effort to equalize, Stanford pressed hard, but a controversial incident in the dying seconds saw Stephanie Kohler go down in the box, only for the referee to rule no foul after a video review—dashing the hopes of a comeback. The match concluded Stanford’s season, which saw them outscore opponents 22-5 in five NCAA Tournament games, and extended their championship record to 3-4 in finals.
The game also marked the end of an era for senior stars like Jasmine Aikey, the TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Year, who had an impressive run with 21 goals this season, and fellow standout Elise Evans, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Stanford’s last championship title came in 2019, and this latest setback leaves fans wondering what the future holds for a program that has consistently been a powerhouse in women’s soccer.
As Stanford reflects on a season of highs and lows, attention now turns to how the team will regroup and rebuild for next year. Will they learn from this heart-wrenching loss and come back stronger? Only time will tell.
