Trio of World Cup players return to Tallahassee as FSU soccer preps for Texas A&M, TCU

A round-trip flight from Tallahassee to Sydney, Australia , costs about $1,300.

But one could not put a price on the trip for Florida State midfielders Onyi Echegini, Maria Alagoa forward Jody Brown.

The trio has returned to FSU after representing their respective countries in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

This was Brown's second appearance with Jamaica, while Echegini (Nigeria) and Alagoa (Portugal) competed for the first time.

For Brown, she had heard about what it was going to be like to play on the biggest stage in the world but to experience it on her own was something she'll never forget.

"To hear that there was going to be sold-out crowds was one thing, but to play in front of sold-out crowds is a whole other thing," Echegini said. "The environment was amazing. Every time the crowd cheered I got goosebumps every time. I really appreciate the way the women's game has grown and I'm extremely happy to be a part of it."

InternatiNOLES

Echegini, Brown and Alagoa weren't the only Seminoles competing at the World Cup as five former FSU players competed in the tournament.

Cheyna Matthews was teammates with Echgini on Team Nigeria; Megan Connolly and Heather Payne both compete for the Republic of Ireland in the nation's first-ever World Cup; Gloriana Villalobos represented Costa Rica and Gabby Carle played for Team Canada.

FSU was the most represented NCAA program at the World Cup.

Not only did the trio of Seminoles get the opportunity of a lifetime, but were a part of teams that made history for their respective countries.

Portugal, Alagoa's team, competed in its first-ever World Cup and won its first-ever game, defeating Vietnam, 2-0. It also tied the United States, 0-0.

"At the end of the game the emotions were going through everyone," Alagoa said. "I was so happy. Some people were even crying for happiness. It was really memorable and I'll never forget about it."

Jamaica qualified for only the second time in history and its second year in a row. It also won its first-ever game in the World Cup, defeating Panama, 1-0. The history-making moment that will stick with Brown was when Jamacia tied Brazil, the No. 8 team in the world, to advance into the Round of 16 for the first time.

"That was the result we needed and to get through was our objective," Brown said. "I'm just really happy that we achieved our goal."

Echegini and Team Nigeria advanced into the Round of 16 for the second time in their history and pulled off a stunning upset over the host Australia, 3-2. Nigeria nearly advanced into the quarterfinal round, falling to England in penalty kicks.

"It absolutely amazing. I can't even describe the emotions," Echegini said. "Beating Australia in front of a sold-out crowd, 3-2. It was an intense game, emotions were up and down, but it was absolutely amazing."

As a memorable summer comes to a close for the trio, they're looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and prepping for an early-season challenge at Texas A&M.

"It's been a long couple of weeks with the national team," Echegini said. "I'm also very excited to be back with the girls and get the season started."

Opening season challenge

No. 6 FSU has a tall task at hand, opening up the season at Texas A&M Thursday.

Seminoles coach Brian Pensky pointed to a challenging environment. From the team on the field to the fans in the stand, the Seminoles are going to be battle-tested early on.

"First games are always tough because you typically don't have preseason video. They [A&M] played a couple of preseason games and we weren't able to get video on that," Pensky said. "We looked at video from last year and they have some veteran attacking players that are athletic, good on the ball and good goal scorers."

"Playing at Texas A&M is a mojo type of place, for lack of a better word. There's a great crowd, they like to play with energy, they've got that attacking personality and they like to put you under pressure...for us, we've got to organize their special players and be organized defensively."

Pensky said the team's preseason match at Central Florida Aug. 11 was an important early step. It allowed the team's newcomers to not just get into a groove in a game situation, but get involved in the scoring as well.

"That experience is massive," Pensky said.

"You got to take away the bright lights, pace and urgency of the game, and you've got to get organized in your set piece. Having to get through all of that was priceless for our freshman players."

Texas A&M, meanwhile, won its two preseason matches against SMU (2-0) and Texas State (4-0).

FSU continues its Texas trip at TCU Sunday.

The Seminoles' first home match is Sept. 3 against South Florida.

GAME INFORMATION

Who: FSU (0-0), at Texas A&M (0-0)

When/where: Thursday, 8 p.m.; Ellis Field, College Station, Texas

TV: SEC Network

Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State soccer welcomes back World Cup participants as season kicks off