Florida Gators soccer falls to South Carolina in overtime

For the third time in four years, the 17th ranked Florida Gators (10-4) and 2nd ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (14-0-1) faced one another in double overtime. This time the Gamecocks came away with the win to keep their undefeated season alive.

Neither of the top-tier SEC teams put on great performances. A majority of the game was played in a sloppy fashion on both sides.

The Gators lost both the shot battle 15-9, as well as the possession battle, which has been the key to Florida’s success this season. While Florida didn’t get as many shots off as South Carolina, there were several huge Gators scoring opportunities saved by goal keeper Mikayla Krzeczowski.

The two teams headed to overtime with no goals being scored in the first 90 minutes of play. The first overtime period continued the scoreless trend. The game finally came to an end in the 103rd minute. Kristen Cardano took down South Carolina forward Simone Wark in the box to earn a costly penalty kick. Chelsea Drennan, who struggled on corner kicks all game for the Gamecocks lined up for the kick and drilled it into the top left corner to end the sudden-victory overtime period.

Coming Up Next:

The Gators come back home for the next two games as they take on Ole Miss on Thursday and Alabama on Sunday.

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.