SMU Women's Soccer Holds Strong in 1-1 Draw Against No. 2 Florida State
In a thrilling contest at Washburne Stadium, the SMU Mustangs women’s soccer team proved they can compete with the best, battling to a 1-1 draw against the No. 2 ranked Florida State Seminoles. The match was a showcase of grit, resilience, and defensive strength as SMU stood tall against the defending national champions, marking a milestone performance for the program.
Despite a scoreless first half, the Mustangs found the breakthrough in the 67th minute when Nyah Rose, fresh from international duty with Team Canada, slipped past her defender and scored a crafty goal off the Seminoles' goalkeeper. This was Rose’s 15th career goal and her fourth in five matches, reaffirming her place on the Hermann Trophy Watch List. Her goal marked only the third allowed by Florida State this season, further highlighting the significance of the achievement.
However, Florida State quickly responded. Just four minutes after Rose’s goal, FSU’s Ashlyn Puerta unleashed a long-range strike that tied the match at 1-1. Despite the equalizer, SMU’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde recording a season-high nine saves, including two crucial stops in the final minutes of the match. The SMU backline, led by standout performances like Sophie King's game-saving sliding block with only seconds remaining, played a vital role in staving off the Seminoles’ persistent attacks.
Florida State outshot SMU 14-6 in the second half, yet SMU’s defensive wall, particularly Cota-Yarde’s acrobatics in goal, ensured the Mustangs walked away with a well-earned point. Cota-Yarde’s heroics, coupled with eight saves from the team in the second half alone, were instrumental in keeping the Seminoles from snatching a late victory.
Though the Mustangs were outshot, they made the most of their opportunities. Early in the second half, SMU had a golden chance when Eliana Salama broke free, only to be denied by an impressive diving save from the FSU goalkeeper. Shortly before that, Lou Brossault’s initial penalty kick found the net, but it was called back due to a technicality. The Mustangs had more chances late in the match, with Rose and Liz Eddy both coming close to finding a winner, but ultimately, Florida State’s defense held firm.
This draw marks the first time SMU has faced and tied a No. 2-ranked team, adding to the program’s historic record. Head coach Nicole Nelson, now in her third season, continues to build on her successful tenure, improving her overall record to 27-13-8. SMU remains unbeaten in conference play and now holds a 6-3-2 overall record, while Florida State stands at 6-0-2.
The Mustangs’ next challenge will see them continue their quest for dominance in the ACC, taking this hard-earned draw as a sign that they can compete with the best teams in the nation. Their defensive resilience and key performances, especially from players like Rose and Cota-Yarde, will undoubtedly be crucial as they push forward in the season.
