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FSU soccer shuts out Wolfpack

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By JIM LAMAR

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: October 25, 2009

Straddling the line between relief and frustration, Florida State soccer coach Mark Krikorian wasn't exactly thrilled as he watched his team struggle to find its focus Sunday afternoon.

The Seminoles, fresh off a thriller of a victory over second-ranked North Carolina three days earlier, looked downright scattered at times against North Carolina State - a team that has won just twice in ACC play.

And even though FSU pounced for two quick scores in the second half to earn a 2-0 victory over the Wolfpack, Krikorian still had a hard time showering his team with praise Sunday afternoon. It just wasn't the type of effort he wants to see with the postseason approaching - and a national championship to chase.

"We can't allow ourselves to drop our level of play," Krikorian said. "Regardless of who we play, we have to maintain the highest level we can."

Part of Sunday's sluggishness was predictable. It was certainly understandable that a roster featuring 14 first- or second-year players might have a hard time forgetting the huge win over the Tar Heels in time to re-focus for a game against the Wolfpack.

"I thought we were a little slow to start the game," senior captain Becky Edwards said. "We weren't as quick as we would like to be. I guess that's kind of normal after an intense game like we had on Thursday. ... We need to prepare mentally better than that."

Seventh-ranked FSU (13-2-1, 6-1-1 in ACC) finally broke out of its post-UNC funk late in the first half.

That's when Krikorian went to his bench to inject a little energy into the lineup. Senior Lauren Switzer, junior Marissa Kazbour, sophomore Alex Crown and freshmen Breezy Hupp and Katie Bolinsky gave the FSU offense a little life before halftime. The Seminoles began attacking more and watching less - and even scored an apparent goal that was taken off the board on an offside call.

That energy spiked even higher in the second half with the return of gifted midfielder Amanda DaCosta, who sat out the first 15 minutes or so of the half because of what Krikorian described as soreness.

DaCosta wasted little time creating havoc on the right side of the field and the Seminoles scored twice within a three-minute span to seize control of the match.

Jessica Price scored first, thanks to a nifty pass from Ines Jaurena that found Price right in front of the keeper. Price headed the ball home for her 11th goal of the season.

A few minutes later, Price sent a throw-in right to Tiffany McCarty who promptly scored her team-best 13th goal of the season.

Though DaCosta got no assist on either goal, her fingerprints were all over the scores.

"Wben she came into the game, she brought a lot of energy and raised the level very quickly," Krikorian said. "She created the first one for sure and helped create the second one. She's a special one."

Her effort helped provide FSU's three seniors - Edwards, Switzer and goalkeeper Kimmy Diaz - a victory to celebrate on Senior Day. And the victory should further cement FSU's chance to host an opening round of the NCAA Tournament next month, but even that is not a guarantee considering the NCAA selection committee's apparent disregard for logic in selecting hosts for recent tournaments.

Sunday's victory - and UNC's 1-0 loss at Miami on Sunday - also gave the Seminoles a chance to claim the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament - which would be a first for the program.

FSU travels to Virginia and Virginia Tech next weekend to close out the regular season.

"Neither of those teams are easy to beat, especially in their back yard," Krikorian said.

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