Both Florida and Florida State came into their annual match on Sunday without a loss to their respective names for the second year in a row.
However, the Gators’ (2-1-3) undefeated streak came to an end with a 3-0 loss to the defending NCAA champion Seminoles (5-0-1).
Redshirt sophomore midfielder Madison Jones took the first shot on goal for the Gators following a foul by FSU senior midfielder Carissa Boeckmann, but her attempt was saved by FSU sophomore goalkeeper Addie Todd.
Florida’s defense got off to a strong start, combatting FSU’s relentless runs on offense. Graduate student defender Daviana Vaka stopped FSU from taking a shot directly in front of the goal at minute 38:19.
Junior defender/forward Lauren McCloskey went on to make a crucial slide tackle, stopping FSU junior forward Kameron Simmonds before she could get a shot off.
However, the Gators’ streak of defensive stops came to an abrupt halt after a crucial mistake from graduate goalkeeper Alex Goldberg. Goldberg accidentally played the ball directly to FSU’s offense on an attempt to clear the ball from the backline. The Seminoles took advantage of this opportunity, with Taylor Huff scoring the first goal of the match as a result.
Florida’s offense still kept fighting with sophomore forward Lena Bailey coming away with a breakaway attempt before being stopped by Todd.
Redshirt sophomore midfielder Madison Jones received the first yellow card of the match off an aggressive tackle that stopped FSU right outside the penalty box.
The Gators’ defense continued to break down as the half went on, with FSU’s offense capitalizing on runs past Florida’s defensive line.
In the last five minutes, Florida tried to make plays off two back-to-back corner kicks with shots by redshirt junior midfielder Charlotte McClure and graduate student midfielder Delaney Tauzel, but neither found the mark. The Gators ended the first half down 1-0.
Florida came out strong in the second half. Both the Gators and the Seminoles maintained equal possession of the ball in the first 15 minutes of the half.
At minute 33, FSU had two open attempts at the goal, but both senior midfielder/forward Taylor Huff and forward/defender junior Kameron Simmonds missed the goal entirely on their respective shots
However, FSU freshman forward Wrianna Hudson was able to get her squad back on the board after receiving the ball ahead of the Gators' defense and finding the back of the net, putting Florida State ahead 2-0.
After questions arose as to whether or not Hudson was in an offside position, the head referee took a look at the replay and determined that the goal would stand.
With 12 minutes remaining in the match, Bailey took another shot at goal for UF, but Todd once again saved it.
Freshman forward Vera Blom got the ball ahead of the Seminoles’ defense and played it to Bailey, but the latter was unable to capitalize on the ball.
FSU continued to keep Florida at bay up until the final whistle blew, with Simmonds scoring the third goal of the match through an assist by junior defender Nina Norshie.
Bailey received Florida’s second yellow card of the match with four minutes left for an aggressive tackle.
In a final attempt to get on the scoreboard, Blom played the ball to Jones in front of the goal, but Todd saved it yet again.
Looking to bounce back, Florida will host Kennesaw State (0-5-1) at home on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Contact Amanda Roman at aroman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @mandy_romannn
Amanda Roman is a sophomore sports journalism major and The Alligator's Fall 2024 Soccer Reporter. She interned for Fort Lauderdale United FC this past summer as the team's journalist. In her free time, she enjoys lifting, shopping and reading.
