Florida Gators soccer defeats Mississippi State 1-0

In their last home game of the regular season, the 20th ranked Florida Gators (12-4) soccer team found a way to win in the final minutes over the Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-11). The Gators honored eight seniors for Senior Day prior to the 1-0 win.

The goalkeepers for both Florida and Mississippi State had an outstanding day, keeping the score held at zero until the 81st minute. Sophomore Mayra Pelayo was assisted by senior Meggie Dougherty-Howard for a laser into the net from eight yards out in what would eventually be the winning goal.

The Bulldogs took a shot at sending the game into overtime in the final minute, but Florida sophomore goal keeper Kaylan Marckese made a huge diving stop to keep Mississippi State off the board and secure the win.

Florida had a balanced day with 11 shots taken in each period and led the shot battle 22-10.

Coming Up Next:

The Gators head to Columbia, Missouri to take on the Missouri Tigers in the final game of the regular season on Thursday, October 27 at 9 p.m. The SEC Tournament will start just five days later on November 1. Florida will either be the 4th or 5th seed and could face Mizzou again in the first game of the tournament.

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.