Taylor Burke has been unbeatable in the net during September.
Since Florida lost 3-0 to Florida State on Aug. 30, the junior goalkeeper has posted three consecutive shutouts. The streak is nothing new for Burke, who has not allowed a goal since Oregon State’s Chelsea Buckland beat her on Aug. 25.
“We’re fortunate that goalkeeping is one of the biggest strengths of our team,” coach Becky Burleigh said.
Burke began 2013 by splitting time in goal with freshman Nora Neset Gjoen. After Gjoen suffered a concussion during the first half against the Seminoles, Burke has become UF’s full-time starting goalkeeper.
“I think I’m just playing the same game that I always play,” Burke said. “I know Nora will be back, and we’ll be playing the same games that we have been, so we’re excited to get her back.”
Burleigh added: “When Nora went out with the injury against FSU, Taylor stepped up, and she’s done a terrific job of keeping a clean sheet. When Nora gets back, that’s just even more competition.”
Burke’s responsibilities in goal are nothing new. She started all 25 matches last season and played the entirety of 19 to rack up 2,204 minutes.
Burke finished the season with a 0.86 goals-against average, saving 60 shots and allowing 21 goals.
Her recent run of shutouts is also familiar territory. She helped Florida record four consecutive shutouts in 2012, beginning in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals and lasting until Florida’s loss to Notre Dame in the Sweet 16.
With two years of experience, Burke’s performance has become more consistent.
“I’ve [improved] a lot with my footwork,” Burke said. “I kind of know how the games work now, how the weekends work, if we’re traveling or not. I think that just having experience, knowing what to expect in each game and how our system works has helped.”
The 6-foot-1 goalkeeper also credits her track experience — she is the UF indoor high-jump record holder — as being influential in her productivity.
“[Track and soccer] kind of interpret into each other,” Burke said. “With high balls, it’s kind of the same motion as high jumping as it is playing goalkeeper. They’re weirdly alike.”
Burke has not faced many shots this season behind UF’s active backline — a benefit she has enjoyed.
“I have to give a lot of credit to my defense; they’ve been playing unbelievable,” Burke said. “We’ve had a lot of new faces back there, and it’s been fun having new people in the back. We’ve all been doing really well together.”
Burleigh added: “Communication is huge. We expect a lot from our goalkeepers. For Taylor to be able to take care of things before they happen, it requires some communication and she’s done a terrific job of that.”
Florida will face two undefeated opponents this weekend: Minnesota at home and in-state rival South Florida in Tampa.
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Taylor Burke kicks the ball during Florida’s 3-1 victory against Oregon State on Aug. 25 at James G. Pressly Stadium. The junior goalkeeper has three consectuive shutouts in September.
