Taylor opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, bundling home a short-range effort after a Mia Gray headed pass on a corner kick. It was the first goal conceded by FSU this season, and the first Gator goal against FSU since 2021. The Seminoles had a golden chance to tie the game after Shaneil Buckley dribbled the length of the field on a counterattack, but her 1-on-1 effort against Emmanuel was saved.
What. A. Save.Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Florida scored twice in the second half, both on quick counterattacks that caught out an aggressive Seminole team chasing goals. Taylor scored her second of the game in the 62nd minute, a left-footed volleyed effort that rolled into the bottom corner.
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In the 79th minute, Montelene Dymond scored the dagger. She dribbled from midfield before muscling Buckley off her and dancing around goalkeeper Kate Ockene in the box to score in an open goal. Freshman Ryder Ajeto scored in the 83rd minute to ensure the Seminoles didn't leave Gainesville without a goal.
Here's what we learned about FSU soccer in a week that saw a win over FAU and a loss to Florida.
Brian Pensky's side is very much still a work in progress, but needs urgent improvement
It probably goes without saying, and the loss to Florida makes it even more evident, but the Seminoles have plenty of work to do.Despite outscoring opponents 9-0 in the first three games of the season, slow starts and indecision popped up for the Seminoles, which the Gators took advantage of.
It's to be expected considering the significant overhaul within the FSU team, 16 new faces in total and only four starters returning from 2025. It takes time to build continuity, especially when learning new teammates and the intricacies they play with.
FSU will need to gel quickly, as a road trip to No. 25 Georgia awaits the team on Sept. 3 and ACC play begins quickly after.
The Seminoles are undoubtedly talented and have one of the best coaches in the country leading the team in Pensky, but there needs to be an urgent sense of improvement. Especially if FSU hopes to compete for a second straight national championship, as is the standard in Tallahassee.
What's next for FSU soccer? A road trip to Georgia
- When: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Watch: ESPNU
