Florida stuns No. 3 FSU soccer for first win in over a decade

Kyra Taylor scored twice to lead Florida's stunning 3-1 upset victory over No. 3 Florida State Soccer on Sunday, Aug. 23, from Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.

The loss snaps a 36-game unbeaten run in non-conference play for the Seminoles (3-0-1), which dates back to 2019, and ends a 13-game unbeaten run and a nine-game win streak dating back to last season. It's the first loss to the Gators under head coach Brian Pensky, and the first in over a decade.

The last time Florida beat FSU?

A 3-2 defeat in 2015, also in Gainesville. For context, at that time, Gator goal scorer Taylor was in elementary school and Pensky was in his fourth season as the head coach at Tennessee, nearly six years away from moving to Tallahassee.

It's been that long.

Despite controlling much of the possession, which is not always indicative of who the better team is, FSU failed to create regular chances to trouble Florida's Jayden Emmanuel, who made four saves, and the Gators punished the Seminoles on the counterattack.

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.

🎥 SEC Network pic.twitter.com/xAiZCG3jKn

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.

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.

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.

• When: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m.
• Watch: ESPNU

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida stuns No. 3 FSU soccer for first win in over a decade