ChompTalk.com

Tony Amato and the Florida Gators’ search for offense resumed on Thursday night as UCF traveled to Gainesville and claimed a 2-0 victory.

In the first minute of action, Kouri Peace found herself with the opportunity to give the Gators an early lead. Her first of two shots would be saved by UCF goalie Caroline DeLisle, reigning AAC Goalkeeper of the Week, the second by a defender.

Florida continued to control early and maintain pressure, with five shots in the first seven minutes of action.

“Our game plan was to jump on them early,” Hall said. “Obviously we did that, we just have to execute at this point.”

UCF quickly turned the tides when a miscommunication between Goldberg and the back line allowed for Trescott Shamlou to find the back of the net for her first goal of the season. 

Leskauskas made her presence felt as she was able to get a shot past DeLisle in the 28th minute. However, the Gators celebration was short lived when the goal was called back for an offside.

A foul from Cameron Hall in the box allowed for Darya Rajaee to have a shot at her fifth point in two games. Rajaee sent the ball to the lower left quarter of the net. Goldberg was unable to extend to the ball. The Knights found themselves with a 2-0 lead at half.

The Gators had their chances to find the scoreboard in the first. Florida outshot UCF 9-3 in the half and kept the ball on the opposing end of the field often. 

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to finish one of those and then the game changes,” Amato said “We were putting them under enough pressure and creating chances…the final shot just wasn’t there for us and we’re going to have to work on that.”

The second half was quiet for both sides. The Gators took three shots, two came on goal.

Florida will resume their pursuit of their first win of the season Sunday at 1 P.M. in the final game of this three game homestand.