FEEL GOOD FIRST EVERS

We are the champions — again! No. 1 FSU completed their quest for an undefeated season (22-0-1) by beating No. 3 Stanford, 5-1, in the 2023 College Cup Final. It was the fourth National Championship in nine years, solidifying the Florida State soccer dynasty. FSU’s four-goal lead over Stanford was the largest margin in the championship match since 2003, and the Noles became the first team to score five goals against the Cardinal in 23 years. FSU led the nation with 3.26 goals per game, while their 75 total goals were the most by a Seminole squad since 2008. On defense, FSU allowed only 14 goals all season, matching the number of shutouts that campaign. The 2023 Seminoles became the first undefeated team in program history and the first in the NCAA since 2011. “When you do a first-ever for a program, it’s really special,” said coach Brian Pensky earlier that season. “It’s hard and at Florida State, it’s nearly freaking impossible to do a first-ever. But this group has done a collection of first evers.”