For the first time this season, the Gators trailed in a match. As a result, a loss came with it.
Unranked Oklahoma (2-0-1) controlled the duration of the match as they defeated No. 6 Florida (2-1) 2-1 to spoil Florida’s first road match this season.
OU converted on the attack first, pressuring in front of UF’s box when defender Rachel Ressler back heeled the ball to the bottom right corner of the net for a 1-0 6th minute advantage.
Ressler’s goal was her second of the season and was assisted by forward Chelsea Jackson.
After leading at the half 1-0, the Sooners put themselves in an opportunity to score again as Lizzie Luallin was tripped up inside the Gators’ box, which set up a penalty kick in the 63rd minute.
Abby Hodgen stepped up for Luallin and blasted the ball past Florida goalkeeper Taylor Burke to the left side of the net, and Oklahoma added insurance with a 2-0 lead.
The senior midfielder scored her first goal of the season, and the Sooners buried the Gators deeper into playing catch up for the first time this season.
“I think that’s good for us to learn from,” coach Becky Burleigh said. “Know how to chase the game and it makes it a little bit different in our sport, and I thought Oklahoma did a good job of putting numbers behind the ball when we were trying to chase and made it difficult for us getting behind them.”
Being placed in a position that they’re unacquainted with this season, the Gators weren’t able to convert on their 11 shots on goal.
However, in the 72nd minute forward Savannah Jordan cut the deficit to one, placing the ball pass Sooners keeper Kaitlyn Fahrner after it deflected off the post. Sophomore midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard recorded the assist.
The Gators scrambled for their last opportunity to tie the game as defender Christen Westphal got two shots off in the Sooners box, but came away empty.
Burleigh said she didn’t think Oklahoma pressured Florida a lot, but you had to be appreciative that the Sooners were efficient with their opportunities.
Oklahoma’s victory marked their first win over a top 10 foe since 2011 and remain undefeated in the season.
Florida suffered its first loss and allowed their first goals of the season respectively.
Remaining in the state of Oklahoma, the Gators face Oklahoma State for their second game of the weekend on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @Lagunalawrence
Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during UF's 3-0 win against LSU on Oct. 20, 2013, at James G. Pressly Stadium.
