The No. 9 Florida soccer team overcame steamy conditions Sunday afternoon and its first opponent from outside the Sunshine State to capture a 1-0 victory over San Diego State at James Pressly Stadium. McKenzie Barney’s goal 40 seconds into the second half provided the margin of victory for Florida (4-0).
It was the first day appearance for Florida, which beat UCF last Sunday evening. The midday heat took its toll, especially once the clouds parted in the second period.
“That game was like work and our games before this have been much more free flowing,” Florida coach Becky Burleigh said.
Both teams had chances in the first 45 minutes but neither scored. Florida attempted five shots on goal, all from different players. In the 15th minute, junior Tahnai Annis dribbled a shot harmlessly to San Diego State goalie Aubree Southwick. The senior goalie later made a key save on a Florida free kick in the 33rd minute. Junior forward Lindsay Thompson was fouled right outside of the penalty box and Nicky Kit rocketed an on-target kick that curved left, but Southwick dove and halted it.
Florida’s own goalkeeper, senior Katie Fraine, stopped San Diego State freshman Soledad Gomez’s 1-on-1 opportunity eight minutes later. “We let them determine the pace of the game,” Fraine said. “If we come out every game like this, it’s not gonna happen for us.”
The Gators came out more aggressive in the second half and tripled their shots on goal in the final 45 minutes. San Diego, meanwhile, managed just four shots.
“I liked the first five minutes,” Burleigh said, “but then we kind of just went back to the same old, same old.”
Senior Ashlee Elliott fed sophomore Ericka Tymrak, who dribbled through the San Diego State defense. When Barney’s defender tried to stop Tymrak, she fed Barney who beat Southwick from seven yards out with a quick shot.
“Everyone finally turned their brains on in the second half,” said Barney, who now has scored in her last six home contests. “I should have put at least two more in the net. We had a lot more opportunities that we wish we would’ve put in the back of the net, but we got away with a win.”
Florida takes on Jacksonville Friday night at 7 in Pressly Stadium, its only September home date. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free 2010 Gator soccer replica jersey t-shirt courtesy of Gatorade. The first 200 youth soccer players will receive orange pompoms, and during the match Youth Soccer Month t-shirts will be tossed into the stands.
Eugenio Torrens of Florida Communications contributed the information for this report.
No. 9 FLORIDA 1, SAN DIEGO STATE 0
At Pressly Stadium, Gainesville, Fla.
San Diego State 0 0—0
Florida 0 1—1
Scoring: UF – McKenzie Barney (Erika Tymrak, Ashlee Elliott) 45:39.
Goalkeepers: Aubree Southwick (San Diego State) 10 saves; Katie Fraine (Florida) 3 saves.
Shots: San Diego State 8, Florida 18. Shots on goal: San Diego State 3, Florida 11. Corner kicks: San Diego State 0, Florida 5. Fouls: San Diego State 2, Florida 7. Offsides: San Diego State 4, Florida 6. Cautions: Ashlee Elliott (Florida) 82:38.