Freshman Savannah Jordan is no longer the Gators’ best-kept secret.
After scoring five goals in No. 8 Florida’s (2-0) opening weekend and accumulating accolades to boot, the forward will go into tonight’s matchup against No. 3 Florida State (2-0) tonight at 7 at James G. Pressly Stadium with a target on her back.
“I think I’ll have to change up a little bit of my style and be a little bit more versatile in some of the games, and mix it up a little bit so I’m just relying on maybe my speed or something that would normally get me goals,” Jordan said. “I have to mix it up a lot because people will be watching how I play.”
Coach Becky Burleigh added: “I think obviously she won’t be under the radar this weekend, but at the same time, the things that she does are not something you can defend against. I think she is a pretty relentless player in terms of her willingness to go after balls, and if they want to match up to that more power to them.”
Jordan, the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week and Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week, and the Gators go up against a tough offense that returns four starters from last season – one who is a hybrid defender/midfielder.
“I think we’re getting prepared by just working on what we know and working on making sure that our defense is set for them; they’ve always been a team with a good offense,” junior center back Karina Gutsche said. “Just doing what we know and what we’re best at is all we can prepare.”
Third-ranked FSU is the first top-10 opponent Florida faces this season.
Burleigh said she is looking forward to the matchup because it will be a test for the team.
“The thing I love about the FSU game is it’s always a really fun game because it’s a pretty respectful rival,” Burleigh said. “We both really appreciate the way each other’s teams play. It’s always a battle, and it always seems like it is a one-goal game.”
The last time the two teams faced off, the Seminoles earned a 1-0 victory when then-sophomore Kristin Grubka scored in the 10th minute. FSU’s win last year made it the second straight year that the team defeated Florida by a one-goal difference.
“They’ll be the toughest team we’ve faced so far,” Burleigh said. “It will be important that we set the tone right away.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Freshman forward Savannah Jordan fights for possession of the ball during Florida's 3-1 win against Florida Gulf Coast on Aug. 23 night at James G. Pressly Stadium.
