Duke women's soccer falls, postseason hopes slim

CARY — Tiffany McCarty was just too much to handle.

The Florida State sophomore forward broke free in the second half, leading her team to a 2-0 win over Duke in the first round of the ACC Women's Soccer Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park Wednesday.

McCarty rushed the net, and Duke goalkeeper Tara Campbell rushed McCarty, who sidestepped the goalie and fired on an open net at 70:36.

A bang-bang situation in front of the net following a Florida State corner kick led to an own goal at 85:21.

But unranked Duke gave itself a chance against a team ranked as high as No. 3 in the country. It was Duke's defense that held stout for much of the game, just as it had against the Florida State in an October conference game that ended in a scoreless draw.

A trio of Duke forwards, led by Elisabeth Redmond, had opportunities in both halves, though Duke coach Robbie Church admitted the Seminoles controlled the ball too much in the first half.

"We were too defensive," he said.

Redmond set up teammates KayAnne Gummersall and Carey Goodman and had her own chances, but the Devils failed to score, leaving their season in question.

The Blue Devils have been relegated to rooting for favorites in hopes that the NCAA selection committee calls their name on Monday night.