Leilanni Nesbeth Scores Again For Florida State
Bermuda’s Leilanni Nesbeth scored for Florida State as they played to a 4-3 victory over Virginia, marking her 4th goal of the season.
The school’s match report said, “The second-ranked Florida State soccer team [6-0] stayed unbeaten after defeating No. 11 Virginia [5-2-1] 4-3 in a high scoring contest. It was a typical Florida State vs. Virginia game as it was decided by a single goal for the 18th time in 24 meetings.
“Sophomore LeiLanni Nesbeth got things started for the Noles as it seems she has all season. She grabbed her fourth goal of the season in the 11th minute of the game. The goal came off of an assist from freshman Kaitlyn Zipay, the first of her career.
“Redshirt Senior Malia Berkely sparked the offensive possession with a deep pass down the right side of the field to Zipay who then crossed it from the baseline towards the top of the penalty box. Once the ball got to Nesbeth she showed her rocket leg and fired it into the top of the net.
“Not even two minutes later the Seminoles extended their lead to 2-0 on a goal from redshirt senior Clara Robbins. It was her first career goal in 52 games played. Junior Jaelin Howell picked the ball up at midfield and pushed it up field before sending it to the middle of the box where Robbins would get a hold of it at the top of the six-yard box and send it into the right side of the goal.
“Virginia would bounce back to bring the score within one with their first goal of the game in the 34th minute. The goal was scored by Alexa Spaanstra and was scored on a penalty kick. UVA was pushing the ball up field when senior Gabby Carle fouled Rebecca Jarret inside the 18-yard box resulting in the PK.
“Florida State would strike back in the 42nd minute making it 3-1. The third goal of the game for the Noles was an own goal by the Cavaliers that came off of a Yujie Zhao corner kick.
“Virginia pulled back within one in the 58th minute on a goal from Diana Ordonez. The goal was assisted by Lizzy Sieracki. It marked the first time this season that the Seminoles had allowed more than one goal in a game.
“The Cavaliers tied the match in the 64th minute on a corner kick. Just like the Seminoles’ third goal, Virginia’s third goal came on a corner kick that resulted in an own goal by FSU.
“The tie was broken in the 81st minute on yet another corner kick. Zhao bent one in perfectly from the left corner that would get kicked around a few times before it ended at the feet of Robbins once again. Robbins would find the back of the net for the redshirt senior’s second career goal.
“The Seminole defense would come through in the final 10 minutes as Florida State would earn their first ranked win of the season over No. 11 Virginia.”
