FSU soccer wins fourth straight ACC tournament title

FSU Sports Information: Florida State Claims Fourth Straight ACC Tournament Championship

Onyi Echegini shines as she scores twice, leading the first-ranked Florida State (16-0-1) women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over seventh-ranked Clemson (15-3-3) in a thrilling ACC Tournament Championship match. This achievement marks the second time in program history that the Seminoles have clinched four consecutive conference tournament championships.

The two teams previously met in September to kick off conference play, where the Seminoles showcased their dominance by rallying from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 on the road against Clemson.

Clemson’s journey to the championship game included impressive victories over Wake Forest and Notre Dame, while the Seminoles secured their spot by defeating Pitt 2-0 in the semifinals with two second-half goals.

Florida State wasted no time in taking the lead, with the dangerous offensive duo of Onyi Echegini and Jordynn Dudley once again demonstrating their prowess. Dudley skillfully maneuvered past defenders towards the goal, delivering a perfectly timed pass to Echegini at the top of the box. Echegini unleashed a powerful shot that found the top left corner, giving the Seminoles an early 1-0 advantage just ten minutes into the game. This goal marked Echegini’s 12th of the season and her sixth in the past six games, solidifying her position as a key offensive force for the team.

Clemson managed to bounce back before the half-hour mark, capitalizing on their first corner kick of the game. Mackenzie Duff’s header at the back post created chaos in the box, eventually leading to the ball finding the back of the net and leveling the score at 1-1. This goal was significant as it ended Florida State’s impressive 300-minute streak without conceding a goal.

As the first half drew to a close, Cristina Roque demonstrated her goalkeeping skills by making a remarkable catch amidst a crowded box, denying Clemson a scoring opportunity. The teams headed into halftime tied at one goal each.

Known for their strong performances in the second half, Florida State showcased their prowess once again. Taking advantage of a turnover by Clemson in their defensive third, Beata Olsson swiftly picked up the ball and delivered a low-driven cross right into the path of Echegini. Echegini expertly evaded her defender and found the back of the net, scoring her second goal of the game and her 35th career goal as a Seminole. This multi-goal performance marked her sixth in her time with the team.

Roque continued to impress in the second half, making a crucial save off her foot to deny Clemson’s Samantha Meredith a near-post goal opportunity with twenty minutes remaining in the game.

With the clock winding down, Clemson increased their pressure in search of an equalizer, but the Seminoles stood strong and emerged as the champions of the 2023 ACC Tournament.

This victory marks the Seminoles’ 10th conference tournament championship and their ninth in the last eleven seasons, solidifying their status as a dominant force in collegiate women’s soccer.

Five Seminoles received recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament, with Echegini deservedly earning the title of ACC Tournament MVP. Joining Echegini on the ACC All-Tournament Team are Dudley, Olsson, Roque, and Mimi Van Zanten.