Havana Solaun is no stranger to comebacks.
When the Gators are down, Solaun often finds a way to get UF back in the game.
She scored the game-winning goal in Florida’s 2-1 overtime victory against Arkansas in 2011.
She was the playmaker on an equalizer in last season’s 3-2 win against New Mexico and was just shy of finding the back of the net in a scoreless double-overtime match against North Carolina in 2012.
Solaun found the right touch to halt a South Florida win on Sunday.
The junior midfielder posted a 74th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 double overtime draw against USF.
The Bulls led 1-0 through about 68 minutes of playing time after Sharla Passariello opened the scoring in the 7th minute.
Solaun’s goal was her fourth this season and the 17th in her career.
“[Defender Claire Falknor] did a great job working it down the line,” Solaun said.
“Everyone already in the box pretty much set it up for me.
“There was run near post, which drew all their defenders. The ball went straight across the goal.
“Caroline (Triglia) said ‘I thought about hitting it, but I stopped and let it go through my legs.’ Had she not have done that, we wouldn’t have scored.”
Despite missing on an opportunity with 30 seconds left to escape Tampa with a win, Solaun’s efforts on the field gave the No. 9 Gators (6-1-1) their first draw of the season.
Coach Becky Burleigh said Solaun’s goal was due in part to the Bulls’ defense targeting freshman forward Savannah Jordan.
“We’re a tough matchup for a lot of teams,” Burleigh said.
“The reason is we have some diversity in our attack and we also have some playmakers. It’s hard to focus on one player. USF did that a little bit [Sunday], really trying to double team Savannah a lot and that left an opening for Havana to get a goal.”
Burleigh also noted that the fouls UF accumulated during the contest hindered the team’s rhythm.
Florida and South Florida combined to rack up 39 fouls in the match’s 110 minutes.
With a 2013 schedule that showcases new opponents from across the country, Burleigh said the diverse styles of play that UF has gone up against has helped the Gators prepare for when Southeastern Conference play opens up this weekend.
Florida hosts Alabama on Friday night at 7 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
With the 20 shots Florida took on USF’s goal Sunday and only getting one to the back of the net, executing finishes will be on the team’s mind for Friday’s matchup.
“For us, it is kind of a separate season because what we’ve done up to this point is only preparation for the SEC,” Burleigh said.
“Starting Friday, everyone’s starting over again.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Minnesota on Sept. 13 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
