Today, Stanford and Florida State will meet for a rematch of the 2023 NCAA College Cup final that saw the Cardinals fall 5-1 to a Seminoles team that hadn’t experienced a defeat all season. Expect things to be different this time around.
Both teams return to the title stage in 2025 with sharpened identities, different rosters, and the weight of two very different journeys behind them. For Stanford, this match represents a chance to reclaim its place atop the winner’s stage where they haven’t been since 2019. It’s also an opportunity to flip the script after the lopsided defeat two years ago and claim their long-awaited fourth title. They’re the nation’s most explosive attacking team, the tournament’s highest-scoring side, and the only No. 1 seed to reach Kansas City. Their defense may tend to give up late goals, but the 1-0 semifinal win over Duke showed a program comfortable absorbing pressure, protecting a lead, and relying on its depth and organization as much as its firepower for 90 minutes.
Florida State, meanwhile, heads into Monday with the quiet confidence of a team that knows it belongs here. The Seminoles are seeking their fifth national title and their third in the last five seasons, adding to one of the most decorated postseason résumés in NCAA history. Their 1-0 victory over a tough TCU team reflected the controlled efficiency that has defined the FSU squad all year – a disciplined back line, weapons all over the field, and the ability to deliver when the moment demands it. With Wrianna Hudson, Jordynn Dudley, and a midfield that dictates tempo as well as any team in the NWSL, the Seminoles remain one of the toughest teams in college soccer to put away.
Stanford won their regular-season meeting against the Seminoles on October 18, a 2-1 result in Tallahassee that remains one of FSU’s few home losses of the past several years. Florida State won the last title-game showdown between them in 2023. Now, they meet again – two giants at the height of their powers, each chasing glory.
Kickoff is set for Monday, December 8 at 7pm ET // 4pm PT on ESPNU from CPKC Stadium.
NWSL Alumni by School
Florida State
Taylor Huff – BAY
Natalia Kuikka – CHI (2018 champion)
Leilanni Nesbeth – CHI (2021, 2023 champion)
Jaelin Howell – GFC (2018, 2021 champion)
Malia Berkely – HOU (2018 champion)
Cristina Roque – LOU (2021, 2023 champion)
Carson Pickett – ORL (2014 champion)
Emily Sams – ORL (2021 champion)
Deyna Castellanos – POR (2018 champion)
Cassie Miller – SEA (2014 champion)
Lauren Flynn – UTA (2021, 2023 champion)
Mia Justus – UTA (2021 champion)
Gabby Carle – WAS (2018, 2021 champion)
Casey Krueger – WAS
Stanford
Catherine Paulson – BAY
Kiki Pickett – BAY (2019 champion)
Ryan Campbell – GFC
Tierna Davidson – GFC (2017 champion)
Belle Briede – HOU (2017, 2019 champion)
Jane Campbell – HOU
Alana Cook – KC (2017 champion)
Lo’eau LaBonta – KC (2011 champion)
Christen Press – LA
Ali Riley – LA
Jordan Baggett – LOU (2017 champion)
Sam Hiatt – POR (2017, 2019 champion)
Sophia Wilson – POR (2019 champion)
Kyra Carusa – SD (2017 champion)
Kennedy Wesley – SD (2019 champion)
Andi Sullivan – WAS (2017 champion)