College Cup: Women's Final Preview

by Victor Olorunfemi

December 4, 2023

For the first time in Women’s D1 NCAA Soccer 35-year history, two unbeaten teams will meet in the national final as Stanford and Florida State matchup on Monday evening. It has all the making of what could be the most-watched championship game in NCAA soccer history, as the two giants have proven time and time again that they are the two best teams in the country.

The key matchup to look out for is how Stanford will balance their ball-dominant style with the worry of what Florida State, particularly Jordynn Dudley, can do in transition. The Seminoles are the rare team that can score in all phases, whether set-pieces, sustained possession, or on the counter. That last option poses the most conflict for how Stanford prefers to play, as Florida State can counter and do so rapidly.

Stanford Strength

The Cardinal tactical flexibility is a real strength here as this team can play varying styles to high quality. Take the semifinal win against BYU. The second goal came at the end of a 16-pass sequence, highlighting a team with incredible possession and tactical design. Then, with a two-goal lead, Stanford converted to a heavily defensive style that conceded possession but held BYU’s number one scoring offense scoreless the entire evening. This Cardinal team is a highly flexible force capable of adapting to anything Florida State brings, especially with a defense conceding just ten goals all season and one in the NCAA tournament.

Florida State Strength

As mentioned above, Florida State is a complete attacking force. It could come from a Taylor Huff set-piece, an Onyi Echegini touch and strike, or a Dudley ball-carrying counter. You never know which way Florida State could break you down. The key for the coaching staff is deciding whether it wants to concede possession early to Stanford at the risk of losing control of the tempo but generating space to exploit on the counter. Or will they decide to look to maintain possession, knowing that Stanford is not nearly as strong on the offensive transition, especially against a Florida State backline that has not conceded in the tournament?

No matter how this game shakes up, the real winner is the College Soccer world, as this season has been one for the ages.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Pacific 12