The No. 10 Seminoles travel to Charlottesville tonight for an ACC showdown against the Virginia women's soccer team. Florida State comes in fresh off a big victory against N.C. State, easily dispatching the Wolfpack during the weekend 4-1.
The Seminoles (6-3-1, 1-1-0 ACC) should present a very tough test for the Cavaliers and will likely be the Cavaliers' toughest home contest to date. Just a year ago, Florida State finished a successful season before falling in the semifinal game to Notre Dame.
The Seminoles have a marquee program that has enjoyed tremendous success throughout the years, and this year is no exception.
"They [Florida State] have been in this position before," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "We always respect their program. We've had a tough schedule so far, and this is another difficult game. It will be a challenge."
Florida State will be a particularly challenging opponent because it is a great offensive team. The Seminoles excel at controlling the tempo of games and maximizing their number of offensive possessions. The Seminoles are normally able to record more shots and goals than opponents because of their ability to control the ball.
"They play a similar style to us," Swanson said. "They're more of a possession-oriented offensive team. They've scored a lot of goals this season. This is one of those games where we have to be at our best to get the victory."
The Seminoles offensive firepower, statistically, is astounding. Four Florida State players have recorded 11 points or more. Junior midfielder Mami Yamaguchi leads the pack with 34 points. The Florida State offensive star has recorded 14 goals and six assists. Freshman forward Sanna Talonen has also asserted herself as a dominant offensive force by posting seven goals, three assists and 17 points. Against Florida State, Virginia can be sure of at least one thing: The Seminoles will be tough to shut down.
"They're a big team," senior midfielder Julia Falk said. "We've been emphasizing valuing the ball and trying to limit our forced mistakes. Our last two games we were turning the ball over on our mistakes and we can't do that against Florida State."
Given the Seminoles' success last season and their plethora of offensive weapons, no one could blame the Cavaliers if they felt intimidated going into tonight's game. That, however, is not the case.
"I don't think there is an intimidation factor," Falk said. "They are one of the top teams in the ACC, and we always get up for them."
Falk's confidence is echoed by the coaching staff, which feels its players are up to the challenge Florida State will bring. When asked if the Seminoles present an intimidation factor, Swanson responded decisively, noting Florida State "has been in this position before. We always respect their program regardless of their past or current success.We've had a difficult schedule so far and we know this is another difficult game."
Game time for Virginia's conference showdown with Florida State is set for 7 p.m. at Klöckner Stadium.
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