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Noles 1 Step From Soccer Crown

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By SCOTT CARTER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - During his opening news conference at this weekend's College Cup, Florida State coach Mark Krikorian openly applauded the Noles, saying they were playing probably their best soccer since he took over the program.

Then on Friday, Krikorian watched FSU play perhaps its worst game of the NCAA Tournament, failing to dictate the tempo against Notre Dame.

"We forced the attack a little too much," Krikorian said Saturday. "We weren't patient enough."

Oh well, so much for game plans. Krikorian couldn't be more pleased after FSU knocked off the Fighting Irish, 3-2, avenging a loss to Notre Dame last season with a berth in the NCAA final on the line.

"The goal we have is still clear," Krikorian said during his news conference at Texas A&M. "We want to get ourselves a result."

Making its third consecutive trip to soccer's Final Four, FSU is playing for its first national title this afternoon against Southern Cal, a surprise 2-1 winner over No. 1-ranked UCLA in Friday's other semifinal.

"I know Krikorian wasn't really happy with the way they played Friday. I wasn't happy with the way we played," USC coach Ali Khosroshahin said Saturday. "But I think we'll both take the result."

For FSU, that meant getting the winning goal in the 72nd minute from Amanda DaCosta, who earlier added an assist on Mami Yamaguchi's goal 15 seconds into the match.

DaCosta, Yamaguchi and Sanna Talonen provided all the scoring for FSU against Notre Dame, each scoring a goal and adding an assist. During FSU's unexpected postseason run, Talonen and Yamaguchi have combined for 11 of the Noles' 17 goals.

Senior midfielder Kirsten van de Ven has been through all of FSU's close calls in recent years. It's no secret to her why this season's team finally cleared that final hurdle.

"The difference from last year is off the field," she said. "We get along and always respect each other. That comes into play on the field, too."

In the first NCAA championship game to feature two first-time participants since the inaugural game in 1982 between North Carolina and UCF, FSU has an edge in head-to-head meetings. The Noles have won two of three all-time against USC, defeating the Trojans in the 2004 and '05seasons.

"I am very confident in my team, and if we play our soccer, I know the result will come," Yamaguchi said.

As both teams can attest, the result is all that matters at this point.

Reporter Scott Carter can be reached at (850) 294-3088 orscarter@tampatrib.com.

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