Florida’s season opener was not the best night for sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Burke.
Against an unranked Miami squad on Aug. 17, Burke allowed four goals — two on corner kicks. Not only did the Gators’ backline look disoriented against the Hurricanes’ attack, but Burke did as well.
Burke could have easily been demoralized by such a rough start to the season. Instead, she used it to get better.
Learning from her errors against Miami, the 6-foot-1 Burke was a defensive stalwart in net for Florida last weekend. Against North Carolina and Duke, she finished with 10 saves and allowed only two goals.
Coach Becky Burleigh said Burke did a better job being courageous on dives for crosses and balls in the box.
“Against Miami, their last goal was a ball she came for and didn’t get,” Burleigh said. “[Last] weekend, it was a little different. The ones she came for she touched or she caught. And that gives our backline a lot of confidence, knowing that she’s going to come out and deal with those balls rather than them being bouncing around in the box.”
While opposing teams on average have attacked UF more frequently than last season, Burke has risen to the occasion.
In 2011, Burke had 34 saves in 20 matches. She already has 15 in three matches this season, and her save percentage is 71, eight points higher than last year.
Sophomore outside back Lauren Silver said Burke has not only improved as a leader, but as a communicator.
“At least compared to last year, she communicates a lot, which really helps us, because we have to stay organized,” Silver said.
“I’m on the post during the bulk of corner kicks, so if they’re kicking it and it goes out, she’ll tell me to push up and stay in the post, and kind of direct me what to do. I just listen to her and feed off her information.”
Burke has a grasp on the starting goalkeeper spot, but Burleigh isn’t guaranteeing anything in the future.
Throughout the season, Burke will compete with 5-foot-9 freshman Valerie Tysinger for starts. A leg injury Tysinger suffered during a preseason scrimmage has hindered her progress so far.
“I wouldn’t say [Burke’s starting job] is on lock,” Burleigh said. “It’s going to be a battle all year long between those two. Taylor has a little bit of a heads up on it because of the fact she got to start these first games.”
Burke is used to campaigning for starter’s minutes. She competed with senior Brooke Chancey for the job in 2011 and earned 18 of the 25 starts.
Once again, Burke will embrace the challenge.
“Val’s been working hard in practice every single day,” Burke said. “She pushes me and I push her back and forth to get better. She’s definitely a great training partner.”
When No. 22 Florida (1-1-1) faces No. 1 Florida State (2-0-0) in Tallahassee tonight at 7, Burke will try to withstand one of the most electric attacks in the nation. FSU forwards Tiffany McCarty and Jessica Price combined for 22 goals and 15 assists a year ago.
Burke hopes to build on her solid weekend with another one.
“[Last weekend] was a good step forward,” Burke said. “I just need to keep working on things in practice and just keep moving forward.”
