LeiLanni Nesbeth and her second-ranked Florida State Women’s soccer teammates remain unbeaten after defeating No. 11 Virginia 4-3 in a high scoring contest.
It was a typical Florida State vs. Virginia game as it was decided by a single goal for the 18th time in 24 meetings.
Sophomore Nesbeth got things started for Florida State as it seems she has all season. She grabbed her fourth goal of the season in the 11th minute of the game. The goal came off of an assist from freshman Kaitlyn Zipay, the first of her career.
Redshirt Senior Malia Berkely sparked the offensive possession with a deep pass down the right side of the field to Zipay who then crossed it from the baseline towards the top of the penalty box. Once the ball got to Nesbeth she showed her rocket leg and fired it into the top of the net.
Not even two minutes later Florida State extended their lead to 2-0 on a goal from redshirt senior Clara Robbins. It was her first career goal in 52 games played.
Virginia would bounce back to bring the score within one with their first goal of the game in the 34th minute. The goal was scored by Alexa Spaanstra and was scored on a penalty kick.
Florida State would strike back in the 42nd minute making it 3-1. The third goal of the game for Florida State was an own goal that came off of a Yujie Zhao corner kick.
Virginia pulled back within one in the 58th minute on a goal from Diana Ordonez. The goal was assisted by Lizzy Sieracki. It marked the first time this season that Florida State had allowed more than one goal in a game.
Virginia tied the match in the 64th minute on a corner kick. Just like the Florida State third goal, Virginia’s third goal came on a corner kick that resulted in an own goal.
The tie was broken in the 81st minute on yet another corner kick. Zhao bent one in perfectly from the left corner that would get kicked around a few times before it ended at the feet of Robbins once again. Robbins would find the back of the net for the redshirt senior’s second career goal.
