While David triumphing over Goliath, Rudy or the 1980 Miracle on Ice are all classic underdog tales, there’s a reason the favorite usually wins.
The No.2-seeded Gators illustrated why Friday night. Behind superior talent and depth, Florida dominated the Cinderella Mercer Bears 3-0 in the opening round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Aside from a 20-minute lull midway through the first half, the Gators pounded the Bears with their blitzkrieg attack, using two goals from captain McKenzie Barney to cruise to their 19th win of the season. Sunday afternoon, Florida will play the winner of the Duke/California game played late Friday night.
While both Florida and Mercer entered the contest riding hot streaks, there was a discernable difference between the two teams.
Despite the Bears defeating the Gators last spring season, the fall season is when coach Becky Burleigh earns her money.
Friday night was Florida’s 14th NCAA appearance in the program’s 16-year history, all under Burleigh. Meanwhile, Mercer, the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Champions, made its first Women’s College Cup appearance in the program’s 26-year history.
Although the Bears were riding a six-game winning streak, they couldn’t keep up with the Gators for the full 90 minutes. Despite playing tough for much of the first half and putting keeper Katie Fraine into some tough situations, Mercer could not sustain that level of play.
“Their speed and athleticism is exceptional,” Bears coach Grant Serafy said. “They also combine it with some very good technique. It was difficult for us to keep up with that pace. They’re a very good team.”
Mercer was fresh off a thrilling 1-0 win against Jacksonville in their conference tournament, the same Dolphins squad that Florida beat 6-0 earlier this season.
“We came off an emotionally draining season,” Serafy said. “I’m proud of my players. We certainly battled but it didn’t go exactly the way we wanted it to go.”
For most of the game, Florida controlled both the possession and speed of play, outshooting Mercer 16-7.
Barney put the Gators on the board early (14th minute) off a beautifully timed long-ball from center back Kat Williamson.
“It was an awesome feeling to start it off right,” she said. “You can’t ask for a better ball.”
The second half was all Florida. The Gators regained their passing touch and constantly found open lanes toward the Bears goal.
“[At halftime] I told them let’s do what’s gotten us here,” Burleigh said. “Moving the ball, combination plays, working together as a team. Once we started doing that we became more effective.”
In the 48th minute, Tahani Annis scored her 13th goal on the season when she blasted a right-footed shot from the top-left corner of the box.
Off a great combination play from Erika Tymrak and Lindsay Thompson, Annis received the ball and never hesitated. Her deep strike was perfectly placed, sailing into the back of the far post.
“It was a great buildup from beginning to end,” Annis said. “Normally I probably wouldn’t shoot that ball, but it looked really good. I took a deep breath and tried to stay composed. It just felt right.”
In the 73rd minute, Barney added her second goal of the match, and 14th on the season, when she knocked in a great cross right from Nicky Kit.
Had it not been for the play of the Bears goalie Cagney Valloch, the Gators could have easily won 6-0. Valloch stopped multiple one-on-ones, including a terrific first-half block on a Jazmyne Avant shot from five yards away.
“I was just doing my job,” she said. “I was just trying to keep a level head and not let up despite all the shots.”
