Florida entered Sunday’s Sweet 16 match against Notre Dame with five come-from-behind wins. When the Fighting Irish jumped ahead 1-0 in the 20th minute, the stage was set for another Gators comeback.
Unfortunately for UF, its luck ran out with the season on the line.
Florida (19-5-1, 11-2 Southeastern Conference) could not capitalize on its many chances against Notre Dame (16-5-2, 8-1-1 Big East) and lost 2-0.
UF failed to score despite being awarded 15 corner kicks on Sunday.
“We got a little bit away from what we do best, which is keep the ball on the ground and possess,” coach Becky Burleigh said. “You have to credit Notre Dame for disrupting some of that, but also I think we were just a little bit off.”
Unlike the Gators, the Fighting Irish capitalized on their lone corner kick.
In the 20th minute, Fighting Irish midfielder Rebecca Twining scored her third goal of the season off a corner kick from defender Brittany von Rueden.
“I’m not really a great heading strength on the field,” Twining said. “I just went straight to the ball and headed it in.”
Despite falling behind early, the Gators stuck with the Fighting Irish for the next 51 minutes. But when Notre Dame scored again in the 71st minute, Florida’s fate was sealed.
“The second goal was really the back breaker, because you feel like when you’re chasing one, you’re always in it,” Burleigh said.
Burleigh said she was proud of the way the team stayed in the game after Notre Dame’s goal despite the outcome.
“I didn’t think our team quit or slowed down,” she said.
Senior midfielder Holly King said the pressure got to the players, affecting the team’s passing and execution.
“I think just having the pressure on us, they’re up two-nothing, and we’re trying to push it,” King said. “We could have been more composed.”
Added Burleigh: “That’s a big task. It’s a hard thing to do. But I know we’re capable of doing that. …This team proved that you can play like we play and get results.”
Notre Dame defender Stephanie Campo muscles past Florida defender Tessa Andujar during Florida's 2-0 loss to Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon.
