Special goal from Dudley lifts FSU soccer past Texas A&M, into Sweet 16

Jordynn Dudley showcased her patience and skill as she scored her first goal in an NCAA Tournament match after a few games of waiting. Her exceptional performance led to a game-winning goal against Texas A&M, demonstrating her tenacity and talent as a freshman at Florida State.

A scoreless first half set the stage for Dudley’s attacking run in the 55th minute, ultimately resulting in her 11th goal of the season. With remarkable body control, she expertly wrangled a header from FSU forward Beata Olsson and skillfully maneuvered it past two defenders and the Texas A&M goalkeeper, Kenna Caldwell.

In Dudley’s own words, “It was a great flick-on by Beata. I knew she was going to get on it, she always does. I was anticipating it and I just tried to get it around the player and it worked and I saw the keeper out and placed it where she wasn’t.”

The top-seeded Seminoles’ victory over the Aggies with a score of 1-0 highlighted the team’s prowess and determination. FSU’s head coach, Brian Pensky, commended the team’s performance, emphasizing their solid gameplay against a formidable opponent.

Looking ahead, the Seminoles are set to face the No. 5 seeded Texas in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite a few early challenges, FSU’s stronghold and resilience secured their advancement, setting the stage for an anticipated match against Texas on Sunday.

Despite a few tense moments, FSU’s goalkeeper, Cristina Roque, rose to the occasion with a season-high five saves, ensuring the team’s victory and highlighting their unwavering determination in the face of high-stakes competition.

Roque’s reflections on the match echo the team’s resilience, stating, “This game can become an emotional game sometimes, and I’m glad that we didn’t let it get to our heads a little bit too much.”