Jaelin Howell’s goal lifted No. 1 Florida State to a 1-0 victory over No. 5 Rutgers on Friday night, earning the Seminoles a spot in the College Cup final on Monday.
The senior’s game-sealing finish came in the second half, breaking the 0-0 stalemate between the teams. Howell volleyed in a loose ball off of an FSU corner kick to put her side up 1-0 with 19 minutes remaining.
Jaelin would not be denied! #OneTribe pic.twitter.com/0bEtBGiOQw— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) December 4, 2021
Jaelin would not be denied! #OneTribe pic.twitter.com/0bEtBGiOQw
With the win, Florida State’s all-time record in the semifinals improved to 5-6-1 and the program has advanced to its third national championship appearance in four years. The Seminoles are the second-winningest team in NCAA Tournament history behind soccer powerhouse North Carolina.
Howell is widely considered the top prospect in the 2022 NWSL Draft if she decides to declare.
Florida State will face No. 4 BYU on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNU in the College Cup final.