Sometimes, Florida just needs to use its head.
That’s why Gators coach Becky Burleigh continues to emphasize aggressive tactics when her team has set pieces.
During the season, the Gators have gradually become a more successful team in their free kicks and corner kicks. Both types of set pieces are high-risk plays involving several players going for the ball at the same time.
“The willingness to bring that physical presence to the offensive side of the game is just as important as the willingness to bring it defensively,” Burleigh said.
Florida scored two goals off set pieces in its 3-0 win against Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament — both off headers.
For the first goal, junior midfielder Erika Tymrak sent a corner kick into the box that was deflected back to her.
She played it back through the middle of the box again, and senior midfielder Tahnai Annis sent a diving header past the keeper.
The second goal came when Annis fought through traffic to head a free kick from freshman forward Annie Speese.
Despite the recent success, Burleigh still thinks there is room for improvement in Florida’s play in the box, specifically setting teammates up for scoring chances.
“We had numerous chances to get to the end line to serve balls or even serve balls early that we didn’t quite execute like we’d like to,” Burleigh said. “Our execution in the final third is still something that we can get better at. Can we serve quality balls in the box? Can we make good runs in the box to get on the end of those balls?”
Burleigh believes the Gators will continue to jell on offense if they play without fear.
“When you are going up for a ball with the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper has hands and you don’t,” she said.
“You are probably going to get hit. Just being OK with that and willing to risk that is the physical presence we are looking for.”
Florida has put an added emphasis on attacking during free kicks and corner kicks. The team scored on two such plays Saturday against FGCU.
