Women's Soccer 2014 NCAA Tournament #1 Florida State / #4 Wisconsin Regional Breakdown
Florida State, last year’s NCAA runner-up, will be looking to do one better in 2014 by winning it all, and the Seminoles certainly have the skill and experience to accomplish such a feat. However, Wisconsin – this year’s Big Ten Tournament Champions – will likely have something to say about it, as well as a Depaul side that has yet to lose a game this season.
#1 Florida State vs. South Alabama
South Alabama’s Charde Hannah is tied for third in the country with 20 goals, but she’ll face a Seminole defense that has yielded just nine goals all year. Both of these teams can score in bunches, but Florida State’s stifling back line, including ACC Defensive Player of the Year Kristin Grubka, can give even the highest octane offense a fit. Expect much of the same against South Alabama.
Boston U vs. Northeastern
This is a game of similarly-matched teams. In fact, Northeastern and Boston U. come into this contest with identical records. Defense is the biggest strength for both sides, but Northeastern goalkeeper Paige Burnett could be the difference maker. She is second in the nation in goals-against-average (.275) and tenth in save percentage (.878). Part of Burnett’s success can be attributed to the Huskies’ back line, which has given up less than three shots on goal per game when she’s in net.
Georgia is one of eight SEC teams in this year’s field despite finishing in the middle of the pack with a conference record of 5-5-1. These two teams met earlier in the season with the Bulldogs pulling out a 1-0 victory in Athens, Georgia. However, Georgia’s track record hasn’t been impressive of late, as the Bulldogs are winless in their last five games. Additionally, Georgia will be traveling to Orlando this time around and going up against a UCF team that ranks in the top ten nationally in goals-against-average and shutout percentage.
This might be the most interesting match-up in this part of the bracket. Outside of UCLA, DePaul is the only other unbeaten team in the field. Wisconsin is a defensive stalwart, ranking in the top three nationally in goals-against-average, shutout percentage, and save percentage. As a result, the Blue Demons will have to rely on their trio of Elise Wyatt, Alexa Ben, and Abby Reed. Together, these players have recorded 32 goals and 22 assists, accounting for roughly 63 percent of the team’s offense.
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