FSU Soccer: ’Noles continue hot streak

The ’Noles advance to 9-0 as they defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers 5-0 in their fifth shutout of the season. They’ve outscored their opponents 31-5 as they continue to dominate on both ends of the field.

The Panthers came into this matchup with a respectful 7-2 record but left Tallahassee with their second straight loss of the season as they collapse to 7-3 and 0-2 in conference play.

Freshman midfielder Maria Alagoa was the first to strike for the Seminoles with a sharp pass from Jenna Nighswonger that led to an assist for Jody Brown, just four minutes into the ball game. Nighswonger had and exceptional night herself setting up her teammates with three assists to add to the scoreboard.

Redshirt senior Clara Robbins came into the matchup as a substitute in the first half and made an immediate impact with an unassisted goal in the 19th minute. She was the lead facilitator of the offense giving the team a substantial push in the box every time she touched the ball.

The story of the night was a near hat trick from redshirt-senior Gianna Mitchell who found herself at the right place at the right time. Mitchell scored her first goal of the evening in the 39th minute off an incredible ball from Robbins. The tandem of seniors connected again in the 87th minute, earning Mitchell her first two goal game for the Seminoles.

Senior Kristina Lynch found the net for the first time this season after cementing one of Nighswongers incredible assists. Lynch played a total of 62 minutes in the contest and is now the 15th player to score a goal this season.

The Panthers were quiet on the offensive end, having earned just one shot on goal by junior defender Athalie Palomo in the 48th minute. This was Cristina Roque’s first and only save of the contest.

The ’Noles powered their way towards the corner arc, imposing their will on the offensive end from kickoff. They earned a season high 14 corner kicks while putting up 23 shot attempts, compared to the Panthers one corner and two shots.

This was probably the Seminoles most physically demanding matchup of the season, dealing with multiple players being treated on the field by medical staff as well as a handful of fouls from the Panthers. Pittsburgh handed out 13 fouls and were also penalized with one yellow card on the evening.

Head coach Mark Krikorian and company will need to get ready for a quick turn around this weekend as the Seminoles fly to Kentucky to face the Louisville Cardinals for their third ACC matchup of the season. The Cardinals have only lost one game this season, riding a two game road win streak.

Tune into the ACC Network this Sunday at 1:00 ET to cheer on the Florida State Seminoles.