Florida State is 1-0-2 since losing to arch rival Florida a few weeks ago. Brian Pensky's team should real grit in their ability to fight back twice, to tie the match 2-2 against NC State.
No.18 Florida State battled back on two occasions Friday evening to tie undefeated NC State (7-0-2) 2-2 at the Seminole Soccer Complex.
Florida State (4-1-2), the defending national champions, have played on edge ever since losing to arch rival Florida in Gainesville on August 23. Since that loss, Florida State is 1-0-2 having beaten No.25 Georgia (on the road) and tying both Rice and unbeaten NC State.
Against NC State Florida State faced an attacking style of offense with NC State outshooting Florida State 13-7. NC State also had eight corner kicks compared to Florida State's zero. Florida State did manage to get the edge with a shot on goal with a 5-4 advantage in the match.
NC State started the scoring at the 1:37 mark when Erica Roberts scored on an assisted goal.
Florida State’s junior forward Wrianna Hudson responded, scoring her third goal of the season at the 22:00 mark after being assisted by Shaneil Buckley. Hudson now has goals in back-to-back games. The All-ACC performer has shown up big for head coach Brian Pensky this season. She has scored 27 goals for Pensky in her time with Florida State
NC State continued to keep the pressure on Florida State, scoring early in the second period. Sophomore forward Daisy Duda scored on an unassisted goal in the 58th minute putting them up 2-1.
Pensky, who lost seven starters from his 2025 national championship team, was forced to bring in 11 transfers to fill out his roster in 2026. One of those transfers was Daytona State’s Shaneil Buckley. Buckley scored the game-tying goal for Pensky’s team in the 65th minute on an assist from Sam Erbach and Nawreen Ahmad.
Florida State’s goalkeeper Kate Ockene, was recently named ACC Goalkeeper of the Week. Against NC State she faced 13 shots, gave up two goals, and had two saves.
Florida State will have 15 days off before their next match which will be played Sunday, September 27 in Louisville KY, against the Louisville Cardinals.
Florida State is 11-0 all-time against Louisville (6-1). They first played in 2001, and their most recent matchup was last season with Florida State winning 2-0.
Louisville is currently unranked, but has six wins and has won its last two games. They have outscored their opponents 25-8 so far this year, and start their ACC play this week against Pittsburgh.
Florida State and Louisville will be played at Dr Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium, kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET
