Vanderbilt Shocks No. 1 Florida State

by Victor Olorunfemi

November 22, 2024

Behind a legendary performance from senior goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko, Vanderbilt shocked the nation by knocking out defending champions and No. 1 seeded Florida State. The Commodores were outshot 29 to 9, but Wojdelko delivered time and time again in an eventual penalty shootout victory.

The night began as many expected, with the Seminoles taking a 1-0 lead just 58 seconds into the match as Marianyela Jimenez was at the right place at the right time to redirect a failed clearance. The foregone conclusion was that Florida State would kick on from there, potentially turning the match into a blowout, but Vanderbilt replied before any momentum could be generated.

Florida State is on the board early 😤#NCAASoccer x 🎥 ESPN+ / @FSUSoccer pic.twitter.com/oo4m2Lbn9B
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 22, 2024

Rachel Deresky struck back with a long-range rocket in the 10th minute. That was quickly followed by a Caroline Betts header from a perfect Abi Brighton free kick in the 13th minute, giving the SEC underdogs a shocking 2-1 lead. Reigning TDS Freshman of the Year, Jordynn Dudley had her say, scoring an impressive solo goal to bring the home team back on leveled terms. From that point, the Wojdelko show began with save after save to keep the game even.

Her performance allowed Betts to strike again in the 79th for a short-lived advantage as Kameron Simmonds equalized in the 81st. The defending champions generated chance after chance, none able to beat Wojdelko, who made several point-blank stops. The most impressive came with 90 seconds remaining in the first overtime, as the Michigan native executed a kick-save against her momentum to deny a Dudley volley. Those stops brought the game to penalty kicks and Vanderbilt within touching distance of a historic upset.

Wojo you ARE a ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/C39H0OelhO
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) November 23, 2024

But that was hardly straightforward as Florida State held a one-goal advantage going into the fourth round. Then Wojdelko, who saved 14 shots through regulation and overtime, stopped two consecutive attempts to give the Commodores the upset of a lifetime.