Aggie Soccer has advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament to face the #1 team in the land, Florida State. Friday's game will kick off in Tallahassee at 4:30 Central (5:30 Local Time) and will air live on ESPN+ for subscribers.
This is a HUGE rematch for the Aggies as they opened up the season hosting Florida State. In that match, the teams played pretty much evenly with nearly identical offensive stats across the board. Unfortunately for the Aggies, an 86th minute goal by Florida State was the deciding factor and yielded a 2-1 victory for FSU. From there, Florida State cruised to a 17-0-1 season, including the ACC title, their 4th straight ACC Tournament Championship, and the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The only blemish on their record was a 3-3 midseason draw at UNC (which was a bonkers game and an instant classic btw).
Both teams look different than they did in that first game, so that first game isn't necessarily an indication of what to expect on Friday. It should be noted that A&M has looked noticeably better when they've played against good teams this season, so I am still expecting the intensity we saw in that opener.
Junior Taylor Huff (#3) scored the game winner against the Aggies in the earlier matchup. Through the season, she has accounted for 4 more goals and a team-high 12 assists.
Scoring has been led by senior Onyi Echegini (#6), who has netted 13 goals this season. Echegini share team highs in shots (56) and shots on goal (31) with freshman teammate Jordynn Dudley (#11). Dudley also has 10 goals to her name along with 7 assists. I'll note that the scorekeepers over at FSU seem to be pretty liberal in handing out assists.
In total, Florida State has scored 59 goals while allowing just 13 on the year. They have outshot opponents 336-126.
All-American Senior Cristina Roque has played every minute for FSU in goal this season. She's allowed 13 goals, while compiling 26 saves. She has 10 shutouts on the season and 36 in her career.
Not surprisingly, Florida State dominated All-ACC Awards this season:
FSU opened NCAA Tournament play with a 5-0 victory over pushover Morehead State. A&M will certainly offer more of a challenge to Florida State, but the Seminoles have looked unbeatable this season, especially at home. As the #1 seed, they're undoubtedly the favorite in this one and the favorites to win the national championship. The Aggies will need to put together their best game of the season to have a shot to advance.
This is a HUGE rematch for the Aggies as they opened up the season hosting Florida State. In that match, the teams played pretty much evenly with nearly identical offensive stats across the board. Unfortunately for the Aggies, an 86th minute goal by Florida State was the deciding factor and yielded a 2-1 victory for FSU. From there, Florida State cruised to a 17-0-1 season, including the ACC title, their 4th straight ACC Tournament Championship, and the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The only blemish on their record was a 3-3 midseason draw at UNC (which was a bonkers game and an instant classic btw).
Both teams look different than they did in that first game, so that first game isn't necessarily an indication of what to expect on Friday. It should be noted that A&M has looked noticeably better when they've played against good teams this season, so I am still expecting the intensity we saw in that opener.
Junior Taylor Huff (#3) scored the game winner against the Aggies in the earlier matchup. Through the season, she has accounted for 4 more goals and a team-high 12 assists.
Scoring has been led by senior Onyi Echegini (#6), who has netted 13 goals this season. Echegini share team highs in shots (56) and shots on goal (31) with freshman teammate Jordynn Dudley (#11). Dudley also has 10 goals to her name along with 7 assists. I'll note that the scorekeepers over at FSU seem to be pretty liberal in handing out assists.
In total, Florida State has scored 59 goals while allowing just 13 on the year. They have outshot opponents 336-126.
All-American Senior Cristina Roque has played every minute for FSU in goal this season. She's allowed 13 goals, while compiling 26 saves. She has 10 shutouts on the season and 36 in her career.
Not surprisingly, Florida State dominated All-ACC Awards this season:
- Offensive Player of the Year: Onyi Echegini, Sr., M, Florida State
- Freshman of the Year: Jordynn Dudley, Fr., F, Florida State
- First Team All-ACC: Jody Brown, Sr., F, Florida State
- Coach of the Year: Brian Pensky, Florida State
FSU opened NCAA Tournament play with a 5-0 victory over pushover Morehead State. A&M will certainly offer more of a challenge to Florida State, but the Seminoles have looked unbeatable this season, especially at home. As the #1 seed, they're undoubtedly the favorite in this one and the favorites to win the national championship. The Aggies will need to put together their best game of the season to have a shot to advance.
