The Gators are trying to bring back the potent offense and strong defense that led them to six consecutive shutouts during the regular season.
After barely hanging on during its second-round match of the Southeastern Conference Tournament against Arkansas on Wednesday, Florida will need those qualities to beat a talented Ole Miss squad.
The Gators kept a clean sheet to earn a 1-0 victory in a tough game with the Razorbacks but are looking for a more opportunistic attack when they face the Rebels. The two teams will square off in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament today at 5 p.m. at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Ala.,
“We need to get back to one-and-two touch, playing for each other and working together defensively,” forward Savannah Jordan said. “I think if we do those things — especially playing for each other and putting in a ton of effort — then I think we’ll be fine.”
The last time Florida faced Ole Miss, the Gators dominated the Rebels to earn a 4-1 victory on Sept. 27 in Oxford, Miss.
Ole Miss was no match for one of Florida’s most effective offensive rhythms all season.
Jordan scored the first goal of the match and went on to earn her first collegiate assist.
The SEC Offensive Player of the Year will take on Rebels senior forward Rafaelle Souza, who ranks second behind Jordan in the SEC with 19 goals.
In Mississippi’s second-round match against Kentucky on Wednesday, Souza scored the second goal to earn the Rebels a 2-0 victory.
“One of the biggest things we need to work on as a team is communicating on the field,” junior midfielder Havana Solaun said. “Having that, we can be very successful.”
If Florida beats Ole Miss for the second time this season, the Gators will earn their second consecutive appearance in the SEC Tournament title game and 11th in program history.
“Every game, every tournament, it’s all important,” Solaun said. “[Winning the SEC Tournament] is just as important as winning the season title.”
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. Jordan has 20 goals this season.
