In a match that ultimately proved FC Bayern Munich to be the more talented side, the Florida Gators held their own in the exhibition spring game played between the two clubs on Saturday night.
FC Bayern defeated Florida 4-0, and looked like the professional, world-renowned organization that so many soccer fans have grown accustomed to seeing. But the Gators did what many were not expecting of them – they put up a fight.
At halftime, the score was 1-0 in favor of FC Bayern, the lone goal coming in the 37th minute from midfielder Vanessa Bürki. Florida’s defense was holding strong and redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Valerie Tysinger looked impressive in the net, making multiple challenging saves.
However, Florida could not keep up that level of play in the second half. Bayern added three more goals from Katie Stengel, Laura Feiersinger and Eunice Beckmann — the last coming off a rocket from about 30 yards out.
The game was more valuable to the Gators than the scoreboard may reflect. The experience of playing such a talented team, and actually sticking with them for the majority of the game, is priceless for this Florida squad, a team that is already looking forward to the fall season of 2015.
All in all, both teams were impressive.
“I thought that we had some players who really stepped up to the challenge and I think our whole team, as a group, will leave this experience with some confidence,” Florida coach Becky Burleigh said. “Any time you can play quality players and quality teams and get some success out of it, that’s when you’re gonna grow.”
Follow Alex Maminakis on Twitter @alexmaminakis
UF midfielder Meggie Dougherty-Howard dribbles during Florida's 4-0 loss to FC Bayern Munich on Saturday at James G. Pressly Stadium.
