Special report on the Florida Gators soccer team:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida opened Southeastern Conference home action with a 3-2 win over Missouri on a sticky Thursday evening at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Three different Gators scored Thursday.
Thursday’s scoring:
Florida’s Vanessa Kara started the evening’s scoring in the 18th minute. Fellow senior Sammie Betters brought the ball into the box and could have took the shot, but instead sent the cross where Kara tapped it in at the far post.
Junior Deanne Rose brought the ball through the Tiger defensive final third and into the box, scoring from 15 yards in the 53rd minute.
The Tigers cut the UF lead to one in the 66th minute when Macy Trujillo scored from 15 yards off the assist from Sarah Luebbert.
Parker Roberts pushed Florida’s lead back out to two in the 76th minute. She moved through the Missouri final third, passing to Laney Steed as she approached the box. Steed sent the ball back to Roberts and she looked up and saw an opportunity. Roberts scored from 20 yards – her second goal of the season.
A foul in the 82nd minute gave MU a penalty kick. Luebbert’s shot hit the right post and kicked in for the final goal of the evening.
Worth Noting
- Vanessa Kara has now scored six goals in the last four matches to lead the Gators in 2019. She is one of four Gators to score in four consecutive matches since 2015 season (Savannah Jordan – two times; Brooke Sharp and Gabby Seiler).
- Deanne Rose is now second among the 2019 Gators with four goals. A hamstring injury in Florida’s third match slowed her contributions, as Thursday’s match was her sixth appearance of 2019.
- Parker Roberts scored her second goal in the last four matches and the eighth of her collegiate career.
- A single goal has decided eight of MU’s 10 matches this season. Four of the last 10 UF-MU matches were decided by one goal, not including two overtime ties in that span.
Records:
Florida: 6-4-0, 2-0-0 SEC
Missouri: 6-3-1, 0-1-1 SEC
What the Gators Said:
On Vanessa Kara’s versatility:
“It’s very helpful because it makes it difficult for other teams to really key on one particular player. I think all of our forwards, including the ones who come off the bench, are really dangerous.” – Florida Head Coach Becky Burleigh
On upcoming schedule:
“It’s going to be a big challenge to go on the road to Vandy. They are the defending SEC champs. We expect a really good game from them. We just played a really tough one here so recovery is going to be key.” – Florida Head Coach Becky Burleigh
How do you feel about your performance?
“It was nice to be back and have a full game with no injuries and just easing back into it.” – junior Deanne Rose
On her goal:
“Cassidy [Lindley] played me that through ball and I was trying really hard to not be offside. I took a touch in to cut off the defender and I saw another one coming so I tried to push it by her and then cut it back to where the goalkeeper was.” – junior Deanne Rose
“I have to tip my hat to Sammie Betters. That was the most unselfish pass I’ve ever received. I think 10 out of 10 times a person is shooting that themselves. She had a 90% chance of scoring, and she passed it to me because she thought I had a 100% chance of scoring. It shows our team wants to win. It doesn’t matter who scores goals.” – graduate senior Vanessa Kara
On scoring opportunities:
“Our front forwards’ speed is incredible and we know that our midfielders can play so it’s something we look forward to when we are playing.” – junior Deanne Rose
On team’s effort:
“This was the epitome of an SEC game. I think it was good for us, going into Vanderbilt on Sunday. It gave us a taste of what we are going to see.
“We like to play pretty soccer but Becky told us at the end, we can be gritty and pretty. SEC is really physical, that’s what we are known for – being fast and physical. We have to meet other team’s physicality. We have to be able to do the dirty work.” – junior Parker Roberts
On team’s offensive success:
“[The difference is] Our belief in ourselves. Last year we struggled believing we were the best team at times. We have a lot of confidence and are a tight knit group. We trust each other.” – junior Parker Roberts
On being all over the field:
“The coaches have really helped me learn their system. It’s at a higher level and it helps me figure out how to get better chances.” – graduate senior Vanessa Kara
Next Up:
League play continues when the Gators travel to face No. 15 and defending SEC champion Vanderbilt Sunday at the VU Soccer / Lacrosse Complex.
Sunday, Sept. 29 at Vanderbilt.
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Site: Vanderbilt Soccer / Lacrosse Complex
Admission: Free
Television: SEC Network with action called by Jill Loyden and Drew Fellios
Radio: GatorVision with action with action called by Kyle Crooks
Live Stats
Missouri (6-3-1, 0-1-1 SEC) at Florida (6-4-0, 2-0-0 SEC)
Stadium: Donald R. Dizney Stadium (948)
Weather: 88 degrees, winds WSW at 5 mph, 52% humidity
| Goals by Period | 1 | 2 | Total |
| Missouri | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Florida | 1 | 2 | 3 |