The No. 1 Florida State soccer team hit the field on a muggy Thursday evening when they welcomed the No.16 Georgia Bulldogs to the Seminole Soccer Complex. The Seminoles have not been challenged through the first three games, but on Thursday night, Georgia gave more than challenge and the teams played to a 1-1 tie.
The Seminole Soccer complex was full of screaming fans and students who started classes earlier in the week, adding to the overall energy of the complex. The game itself felt like a playoff game at times due to the intensity of the defense being played throughout. This was a much-needed early season test for FSU. Bodies were flying all over the place, fouls were being called frequently and yellow cards were given out on multiple occasions.
The Bulldogs struck first in the 14th minute after a back and forth beginning of the match when senior forward Tori Penn darted into the scoring box and received a pass from sophomore midfielder Summer Denigan to put UGA on top 1-0.
The ’Noles attempted to respond but could not get the ball past the ’Dogs talented goalkeeper, Jordan Brown. The goalkeeper was busy all night dealing with the Garnet and Gold’s attack and would finish with 14 saves.
Although Brown gave an impressive performance on the evening, she let one get by her in the second half when senior forward Taylor Huff drilled a shot into the back of the net in the 63rd minute to tie the game at 1-1. Senior midfielder Ran Iwai was credited with the assist.
Florida State had momentum on its side and had chances on multiple occasions down the stretch to take the lead but Brown was a brick wall. The game ended in a tie, but this should serve as a stark reminder that even though the Seminoles may be the No. 1 team in the country, they are still in a vulnerable position given that they don’t have the services of key players for the next month.
As the season progresses and the schedule gets more difficult, Coach Brian Pensky wants more than just consistency out of his team in their pursuit to score goals.
“We have to keep building on positive energy and they should feel good about their performance,” Pensky said. “If we keep doing what were doing, hopefully we’ll have a better result on Sunday.”
FSU must rest up as they have a quick turnaround when they welcome Villanova to the Seminole Soccer Complex on Sept. 1 for a Sunday noon match.
