Coach Becky Burleigh’s most potent force on Florida’s offensive attack continues to score goals.
Savannah Jordan embodies everything Burleigh wants in a forward: physicality, persistence, quickness and precision.
On Sunday, the freshman scored two goals to help Florida earn a 2-0 upset against Southeastern Conference leader Texas A&M at James G. Pressly Stadium.
“Her consistency is pretty remarkable as a freshman,” Burleigh said.
“We saw that last year with Christen Westphal, and it’s pretty unusual, so it’s great to see that.”
After a choppy first half, Florida came out strong in the attack after halftime knowing Jordan was ready and waiting to score.
The freshman was farther back from her post in the box and used the width to her advantage.
Jordan ran up the field and into the left side of the box to take a shot on goal.
Texas A&M goalkeeper Jordan Day deflected the ball out short — putting it in a prime position for Jordan to rifle a shot into the right corner of the goal.
“I just continued my run and followed it,” Jordan said.
“It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but it went in, and I’m happy.”
The Aggies put an emphasis on a high back line to limit the Gators’ opportunities, but Florida retaliated by sending one of its own defenders in on attack.
Westphal, a center back, drove the ball into the Aggies half, stopped shy of the arc and sent a pass to Jordan in the left of the box.
Jordan ran the ball up and shot it before Aggies defenders could close in on her, finding the right corner for the second time on Sunday.
“It was great defending by [outside back Tessa Andujar and Westphal],” Jordan said.
“They doubled down on the girl and got the ball. Christen’s bringing the ball forward, so I just kind of got out. She looked up at me, made eye contact and just played a great ball.”
Westphal added: “I really didn’t know what to do after it happened … I was kind of just frantic, but it was awesome. I’ve been looking for it for the past couple games because I like to get forward as a center back.”
The goal was Jordan’s second of the game and 18th of the season.
Texas A&M was relentless trying to battle back, taking 10 shots during the second half.
“We just needed to settle down a little bit,” Jordan said.
“We were a little anxious. I think everyone was a little nervous about this game because it was a big one. At halftime, we just kind of calmed down, took a second breath, and when we came out, we just started playing the way we normally play.”
Florida’s victory was its fifth straight shutout and keeps the Gators (14-3-1, 8-2 SEC) in contention for an SEC title as they stand tied for first in the conference with the Aggies (13-4-1, 8-2 SEC).
“We’ve got one more step to take,” Burleigh said “That’s going to be Thursday night against a very good Georgia team.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Oct. 27 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
