Top 5 Goals: Women’s College Cup Final Four, Olympics Qualification

December 5, 2023
By Rohtas Wadera

The NCAA Women’s College Cup has not disappointed with two hard-fought matches between four of the best teams in the nation. When games are that close, it takes something special to separate them, and that’s precisely what we have this week with the goals that were scored. Plus, an incredible goal at Wembley aided England’s hopes for Olympic Qualification. Here are the Top 5 Goals from the NCAA College Cup and Olympic Qualification.

5. Ella Toone – England

ELLA TOONE IN STOPPAGE TIME!!! 😱

A THREE GOAL COMEBACK IN FRONT OF 71,000 FANS AT WEMBLEY! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/iUi71Z9HB1

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) December 1, 2023

England’s Olympic hopes were nearly dashed after trailing the Netherlands 2-0 at Wembley. The Lionesses roared back with three goals in the second half. Ella Toone’s goal was tgame-winnerner. Lauren James deserves a ton of credit for the cross she put into the box. It was tantalizing, waiting for one of her teammates to get on the end of it. Toone made her run to the back post but still had a lot to do. Not only does she have to get the shot on frame, but she has to beat the keeper as well. What does she do? Nutmegs the keeper with no issue, and the reaction from the crowd is incredible. It’s an Olympic Qualifying match, and Wembley is as loud as it’s ever been. Moments like that are what make women’s soccer special.

4. Kaitlyn Zipay – Florida State Seminoles

FLORIDA STATE SCORES FIRST!!!

📺 ESPNU#WCollegeCup x @FSUSoccer pic.twitter.com/SdF27jBPtJ

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 1, 2023

Florida State and Clemson were unable to break the 0-0 deadlock for most of the first half until Kaitlyn Zipay stepped up for her team. Florida State was able to recycle a ball cleared from a corner kick into the box. Zipay did well to hustle and get back onside and was rewarded for doing so. The ball dropped right into her path, and no Clemson defenders were around her. Zipay timed her half-volley to perfection and caught it sweetly. The ball flew past the keeper to give the Seminoles a 1-0 that they would extend later in the match.

3. Jordynn Dudley – Florida State Seminoles

JORDYNN DUDLEY STAND UP‼️‼️

The All-American scores her 13th goal of the season, and the Noles are up 2-0🍢🍢#OneTribe pic.twitter.com/ZUXmNTVT8s

— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) December 2, 2023

If you didn’t know who Jordynn Dudley is, now you know. The freshman has burst onto the scene and become an All-American, which is incredibly hard to do in your first season. Dudley helped put Clemson away with this finish, the kind of finish you’d see from a seasoned veteran. Dudley showed power and balance to beat the defender and then kept her composure. As the ball flew into the top corner, the keeper had no chance. Florida State has been dominant this season, and Jordynn Dudley is going to help them be just as strong in the future.

2. Allie Montoya – Stanford Cardinal

STANFORD OFF THE BAT MY GOODNESS

📺 ESPNU#WCollegeCup x @StanfordWSoccer pic.twitter.com/folVtscpS5

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 2, 2023

Stanford came out against BYU and didn’t give them a chance to even get started. Within the first five minutes of the game, Stanford had two goals. Allie Montoya provided the first, and it was a thing of beauty. It might seem like it was a cross, but based on the way she took a decisive touch to her right and immediately struck it makes it seem like this was intended as a shot. Montoya’s body shape allowed her to curl the ball over the keeper and into the top corner for an incredible goal. Her timing in the College Cup Final Four could not have been better.

1. Maya Doms – Stanford Cardinal

THE TREE IS GROWING IN CARY!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH

📺 ESPNU#WCollegeCup x @StanfordWSoccer pic.twitter.com/Itdoxu7572

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 2, 2023

Stanford’s ability to control the game’s tempo was critical against BYU as it slowed down their attack and let players like Maya Doms make plays. The Cardinal’s build-up was well executed with six crisp passes before the ball ended up with Maya Doms. Doms did the rest with her decisive play. As soon as she turned, she knew what she wanted to do.

The midfield maestro smoothly beat the defender in front of her and brought the ball into the middle of the field to line up the shot. The result was sublime, as you can see the ball curving in midair as it goes over the keeper’s outstretched hands. Maya Doms came through when her team needed her the most, and it was enough to get them to the National Title game.