Florida State Captures Women’s College Cup Title With Late Winner Over Stanford

Jonathan Turner
2 days ago
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Florida State is once again atop women’s college soccer.

The No. 3 Seminoles claimed their third national title in five years and fifth overall with a 1-0 victory over top-seeded Stanford in the NCAA Women’s College Cup Championship on Monday night at CPKC Stadium. Sophomore forward Wrianna Hudson delivered the decisive moment in the 87th minute, securing FSU’s latest championship in dramatic fashion.

The win also marks Florida State’s 20th national championship across all athletics programs and its second under fourth-year head coach Brian Pensky.

Ockene Shines in Goal

Florida State survived a relentless Stanford attack, as the Cardinal entered the match with a nation-leading 96 goals. But on the sport’s biggest stage, freshman goalkeeper Kate Ockene turned in a career performance, making nine saves to preserve the shutout.

“She kept us in the game,” Pensky said. “That’s what great goalkeepers have to do.”

Ockene, named the Defensive Most Outstanding Player, pushed aside early pressure—seven first-half saves alone—to keep the match level. Her nine saves were one short of the school record for an NCAA Tournament game.

Hudson Delivers Once Again

Hudson, the Offensive Most Outstanding Player, continued her clutch postseason run. After scoring the game-winner in the national semifinal, she struck again late Monday. Following a chaotic sequence in the penalty area, sophomore midfielder Taylor Suarez sent a cross into traffic, where a defensive deflection redirected the ball to Hudson. She calmly finished for her 15th goal of the season and fourth of the postseason.

“I’m honestly just so grateful,” Hudson said. “My team worked so hard, and I’m so glad we got the outcome we wanted.”

Seminoles Weather Stanford Pressure

Stanford (21-2-2) controlled stretches of the match, finishing with an 18-8 advantage in shots and 9-3 edge in shots on goal. But FSU’s back line—anchored by senior defender Hether Gilchrist and sophomores Peyton McGovern and Taylor Suarez—held firm when it mattered most.

Ockene made several standout stops, including a diving save 19 seconds into the match and a pair of leaping deflections in the 9th minute. Florida State managed just four first-half shots but gradually found more rhythm as the match tightened late.

Season Milestones

Florida State (16-2-4) extended its postseason legacy with Monday’s win, improving to 89-19-6 all time in the NCAA Tournament and 5-3 in championship games. The Seminoles have now won titles in 2014, 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2024 (played in 2025).

Hudson, Ockene, Gilchrist, McGovern and Suarez were all named to the College Cup All-Tournament Team.

Ockene finishes her season undefeated at 9-0-3 with five shutouts, while her 20 NCAA Tournament saves rank tied for sixth in school history.

Stat Leaders

Shots: Stanford 18, Florida State 8
Shots on Goal: Stanford 9, Florida State 3
Corner Kicks: Stanford 7, Florida State 4
FSU Shots: Jordynn Dudley (4), McCormack (1), Suarez (1), Hudson (1), Simmonds (1)

Championship Celebration

Fans will welcome home the national champions Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Tallahassee.

Team Arrival: 2 p.m. at Million Air (gates open at 1:30 p.m.)
Spear Lighting: 5 p.m. at the Unconquered Statue
Celebration Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. at the Dunlap Champions Club, featuring player and coach remarks, trophy photos and complimentary refreshments.