The Virginia Tech women's soccer team, which is ranked fourth in the nation, lost a heartbreaking game against the third-ranked Florida State Seminoles at Thompson Field on Thursday night.
Florida State (14-0-3, 9-0-2 ACC) started the scoring in the 15th minute when Dagny Brynjarsdottir put the ball past Virginia Tech goalkeeper Dayle Colpitts to the lower left corner of the goal. The Seminoles would take a 1-0 lead into the half.
The Hokies (13-2-2, 8-2-1 ACC) came out aggressive to start the second half, controlling the ball and putting pressure on Florida State's side of the field. After some near misses, Virginia Tech finally found the equalizer when Ashley Meier blasted a shot from just inside the 18-yard box. The Hokies maintained momentum following the goal, but the game seemed destined for overtime.
Unfortunately for the Hokies that wouldn't be the case. With less than four minutes to play, the Hokies turned the ball over just outside the right side of the 18-yard box. The Florida State forward that stole the ball played a cross to the opposite side of the field. Carson Pickett, the recipient of the cross, sent it back to the far post where Brynjarsdottir was waiting with the winning header in the 86th minute.
Virginia Tech tried to muster a late rally, but the energy seemed sapped from the team. The clock struck zero on a harmless Virginia Tech throw-in, the result going in Florida State's favor.
It's a disappointing ending to what was a very well-played game for the Hokies. With their time of possession and scoring opportunities, it's a tough loss to stomach against such a quality opponent. Virginia Tech will have two chances remaining to make a statement in the regular season - first against Miami at home, and then against no. 1 Virginia in Charlottesville. Regardless of the outcome, it seems all but certain the Hokies will be making their fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.