With just two minutes and 47 seconds into overtime, Florida lost its chance of defeating Stanford.
Claire Falknor slid for the ball and caught the leg of Stanford’s Lo’eau LaBonta, who ended the match 1-0 with a penalty kick. As a result, No. 6 Florida (4-2) suffered its second defeat of the season in Palo Alto, Calif.
“Claire was trying to shield the ball out,” coach Becky Burleigh said. “They (Falknor and LaBonta) were both shoulder to shoulder, she (Falknor) slid and thought she found the ball. The referee obviously thought she got the player and the ball and we’re in the penalty kick.”
No. 4 Stanford (5-0-1) went along to shutout its fifth opponent of the season and has yet to give up a goal through six matches.
Both Florida and Stanford played through a defense-heavy first half, but the Cardinal pressured the Gators in the second half and ended totaling seven shots on goal for the game. But with Taylor Burke’s six saves, it was enough to push the match into extra time.
The last time Florida found itself in overtime against Mississippi State on Oct. 11.
Meanwhile, Stanford has now faced an opponent in overtime three times this season and with the experience finished the game.
“Obviously they have a pretty stealth defense,” Burleigh said. “They haven’t given up a goal all year, but we certainly had our chances especially in the first half with several near misses. But the biggest issue of the game was us getting out of what we do best a little bit. Like I said you have to credit Stanford for having a role in that.”
With the loss, Florida hasn’t defeated back-to-back ranked opponents since 2002, when the Gators took wins over No. 8 Nebraska and No. 7 Connecticut.
Florida had its chance after defeating then second-ranked Florida State last weekend and tonight’s victory could’ve snapped a 12-year stint on that note.
After having faced another quality opponent in Stanford, Florida continues its west coast road trip in Albuquerque, N.M., where the Gators will play their fifth consecutive away match.
Leaving Palo Alto without a victory against a top-5 team can aid Florida versus other worthy opponents for the remainder of the season.
“Certainly this game gave us some opportunity to grow,” Burleigh said. “But it also gave us an opportunity to develop some confidence knowing we can play with the best teams in the country.”
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
Junior defender Claire Falknor dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Miami at James G. Pressly Stadium.
