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The No. 12 Florida soccer team (12-3-1, 9-1 SEC) collected two conference victories this weekend over Missouri and Mississippi State. The Gators took down the Tigers on Friday night in a close match by a final score of 2-1. Sunday’s game wasn’t as much of a nail biter as the Orange and Blue outscored the Bulldogs 4-1. It was Senior Day for the Gators and they celebrated by netting four goals.
The first goal of the afternoon was scored only 4:33 into the game by senior forward McKenzie Barney; not only was it the quickest goal of the season but it was Barney’s fifth on the year. She credits teammate and fellow senior midfielder Erika Tymrack for creating space for her to score.
Tymrack also scored, connecting with the back of the net off of a free kick just outside the goal box. She says there was a gap between the defenders and the right post, and she knew she just had to boot it in.
The remaining two Gator goals were scored by senior midfielder Jo Dragotta, who is tied with Barney and sophomore midfielder Havana Solaun with a team-high five goals apiece. Dragotta’s first score ripped right past the goalie from about 24-yards out while her second goal was off of a penalty kick the Gators were awarded when the Bulldogs’ goalkeeper was ejected from the game.
Mississippi State’s lone goal came in the opening minutes of the second half when a shot got past sophomore keeper Taylor Burke. The Bulldogs controlled the game for about a ten minute period in the second, but couldn’t capitalize on their offensive attacks as the Orange and Blue defense only allowed their opponent three shots at the goal.
Although they didn’t have any goals of their own on Sunday, midfielder Holly King and defender Kathryn Williamson were also recognized before the game as part of a Senior Day celebration at James G. Pressly Stadium.
Next up for the Gators is an SEC road trip which includes stops in Tuscaloosa and Tennessee as the team takes on Alabama on Friday and Vanderbilt on Sunday.
