After facing two in-state rivals early in the season and scoring only one goal, Florida’s offense came alive on Sunday against Florida International, scoring three goals on 24 shots.
“We’ve come a long way since the last time we played [at home],” coach Becky Burleigh said. “I was really, really pleased with everything tonight in terms of our ability to generate goal-scoring chances.”
The Gators’ 24 shots, 10 of which were on goal, were a season-high, doubling their previous best of 12 against Florida State on Friday.
Although Florida tied its season-high goal total, the large number of shots displayed the Gators’ lack of efficiency on offense Sunday night.
“That’s the No. 1 thing that the coaches said when we came off after the game is, ‘Great game, but if we finished our chances, that really could’ve been a different game,’” redshirt senior McKenzie Barney said. Barney scored the second goal against FIU.
Florida failed to convert several chances on Sunday.
Near the end of the game, Barney got a one-on-one opportunity against FIU goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage, but her shot rolled past the post, missing a goal by a couple of feet.
Late in the first half, junior Adriana Leon crossed a ball in front of the net and sophomore Annie Speese headed it, but the ball sailed over the net.
“[Leon] gave some great balls that should have been assists,” Burleigh said. “They were perfectly placed balls that we just didn’t have the ability to get on the end of.”
The Gators’ most efficient shooter Sunday was sophomore Havana Solaun. Solaun took four shots; three were on goal and two resulted in scores.
“We did find the back of the net, not as much as we probably wanted to, but we did what we need to,” Solaun said.
Solaun nearly tied the game against FSU on Friday. Solaun scored on goalkeeper Kelsey Wys early in the second half, but the referee ruled her offsides.
Another player who saw a lot of action was sophomore Tessa Andujar. Andujar got her first point of the year when she fed the ball to Solaun for the Gators’ opening goal.
“She really just hustles for every ball,” Burleigh said. “She served some great balls in the box.”
“We really wanted to come out and show that we’re still in this,” Andujar said. “We wanted to come out with a win.”
Tessa Andujar (15) moves the ball past Ashleigh Shim (9) during Sundays win against Florida International University at James G. Pressly Stadium.
