CARY, N.C. – A strong second-half showing by the No. 1 team in the country sent Florida State past the Milwaukee women's soccer team by a final score of 3-0 Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park.
 
"Very proud of the efforts by the team today," head coach Troy Fabiano said. "Florida State is a quality program and well-deserving of their No. 1 ranking in the nation. With all the challenges this team faced with COVID this past year and all of the uncertainties it brought; just extremely proud of the team."
 
The Panthers (9-2-1) put together a strong performance against the top-seeded Seminoles (12-0-0) until well into the second half, when the top-scoring team in the country found a goal in the 50^th minute to open up the match.
 
"Our team executed our game plan extremely well in the first half against a very dangerous team," Fabiano said. "We felt they had only one quality opportunity in the first half. Unfortunately, early in the second half we gave them a set piece, we were not able to clear the ball and they took advantage of the opportunity."
 
FSU would go on to double-up its lead in the 77^th minute before adding a final goal in the 80^th minute, ending hopes of MKE advancing to the "Sweet 16" of the event this spring.
 
"After the first goal, we tried to be more offensive-minded and get players forward, but were not able to create any chances," Fabiano said. "With us trying to get forward, it created more space for them. Then they were able to get a second goal on another set piece where we didn't have a good clearance. The third goal was a world-class finish on their end." 
 
The Panthers hit the half in great shape, with the defensive-minded strategy paying off with a 0-0 scoreline at the break. Elaina LaMacchia was up to the challenge with three first-half saves, making her first of the day in the fourth minute.
 
A strong defensive team effort in the 27^th minute allowed LaMacchia to corral a loose ball, while also recording a save on a corner kick in the 30^th minute. The closest FSU would get in the first was a free kick that glanced off the top of the crossbar in the 40^th minute.
 
The Seminoles regrouped at intermission, coming out of the gates with strong passing and possession to start the second. It paid off on a free kick from the top of the box less than five minutes in. The ball was played to the center and on goal, taking a deflection off a defender to create the open opportunity.
 
LaMacchia finished the day with a season-high six saves, with her season goals-against average finishing up at 0.43, good for the third-lowest season average in program history.
 
"Really grateful for our entire group of seniors, which is our first recruiting class," Fabiano said of the group, which will see some of the players return this fall due to COVID eligibility. "They have played in four conference championships and have won three. They have made three NCAA tournament appearances and made it to the second round this season. I always tell the team it's not easy what they continue to accomplish every year."
 
The loss brings the 2021 season to a close for the Panthers, who graduate just three players from the roster: McKenna Stratton, Morgan Koerber, and Taylor Tabbert.
 
"We have an amazing group of women on and off the field," Fabiano closed.