With the loss of five consistent playmakers to graduation following last season, Florida entered 2013 without definitive answers at key positions.
Now, four games into the season, several freshmen have become meaningful contributors for the No. 10 Gators.
Starting forward Savannah Jordan has made her name known already, scoring five goals during UF’s opening weekend and six total in four games played.
But Jordan is not Florida’s only freshman off to a quick start.
Freshmen Pamela Begic and Meggie Dougherty Howard made an impact in Sunday’s matchup against Florida International. Each scored a goal from a corner kick — a situation that has been problematic for the Gators in the past.
For Begic, who is a native of Semic, Slovenia, it took only three games as a starting midfielder to find the back of the net.
She scored her first collegiate goal off a header in the 53rd minute to increase the Gators’ lead to 3-0 against the Panthers.
“It was a great experience,” Begic said.
“Before the game I decided I wanted to score, especially to make up for some of the mistakes I made against the FSU game.”
Dougherty Howard found the back of the net off another corner kick just five minutes later to give UF a four-goal advantage.
She is the third UF freshman to score a goal this season.
“It’s rewarding knowing that my hard work is producing results,” Dougherty Howard said. “We’ve just been working really hard as a team, and I feel like we’ve gotten a lot better so far from the beginning game.”
The freshmen are still adjusting to the college game but have sparked the Gators with their play.
“We stepped up ready to play at FIU,” Burleigh said. “I would have liked to see more goals scored in the first half, but to come back out in the second half and really lay it on them early, I think was a good sign for us.”
Not only has Burleigh given starting positions to Jordan and Begic, she has incorporated a majority of the freshman class in the starting lineup.
Freshmen Liz Slattery and Brooke Sharp both started in Sunday’s game and came in with 90 minutes and 81 minutes of playing time in the previous three games, respectively.
Both midfielders played a hand in creating scoring opportunities and moving the ball into the attacking third during the majority of Florida’s possession on Sunday.
Freshman goalkeeper Nora Neset Gjoen is another young talent in the Gators’ toolbox.
Gjoen spent a full 90 minutes in the net during Florida’s season opener against Florida Gulf Coast and played in the first half against Florida State on Friday. She has recorded two saves and allowed four goals since the season began.
Gjoen suffered a concussion against the Seminoles, but Burleigh is confident she will be able to continue splitting time with junior goalkeeper Taylor Burke.
Burleigh will continue to hold high expectations for the freshmen unit following its impressive start.
“I think we’re going to see more and more of that [the freshmen talent],” Burleigh said. “This is a good freshman class, a little bit underrated. They’re just wanting to step up and do their part, and I think they’re doing a terrific job at it.”
Tymrak starts USWNT friendly: Former Florida midfielder Erika Tymrak was called up by the U.S. Women's National team to compete in a friendly matchup against Mexico on Tuesday.
Tymrak, the National Women's Soccer League Rookie of the Year, was part of a dual assist on Abby Wambach's goal in the 11th minute to put up a 1-0 lead over Mexico.
The rookie took three shots throughout the game, but couldn't pull a finish on any - two were saved by Mexico goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago and one blocked by Mexico defenders.
The U.S. won 7-0 against Mexico.
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Freshman midfielder Pamela Begic (left) dribbles during Florida’s 3-0 loss to Florida State on Aug. 31 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
