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The Gators took a trip to the west coast of Florida to face off against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in their last away game before SEC play. A lot of pressure, defense, and fluctuations of possession made this a very tough game for both teams that resulted in a 0-0 draw.

The first half wasn’t very eventful as both teams were looking to establish possession. The Gators established their play earlier than the Eagles, but both teams were slow to apply pressure.

The Eagles began to control possession after being awarded five throw-ins in two minutes. They were finding pockets of space to pass around the Gators’ midfield, but the Gators managed to get rid of the pressure.

After 10 minutes, the Gators found some pressure and earned themselves their first corner. They started to find their groove and continued to test the FGCU keeper, Olivia Molina.

After Florida’s second corner, possession was flipping back and forth. It was like both teams were playing hot potato. Florida began to settle down and started applying pressure again.

Pressure and possession allowed the Gators to find some opportunities. A shot by Madison Jones was off the mark but the build-up play prior was very promising. The Gators found another opportunity with Delaney Tellex who struck the ball right to the keeper, forcing Molina to make a save.

The game started to get physical as Florida began to have some foul trouble. Florida conceded five fouls within the last 15 minutes of the half. Nothing serious as no cards were distributed.

The remainder of the half was a possession game with a Florida corner ending the half. The corner was taken and the ball found its way to Oakley Rasmussen, who put the shot off target. The whistle was blown to end the first half.

The Gators had six shots, five corners, and one save in the first half. The Eagles finished the half with two shots, one save, and zero corners.

The half was controlled by the Gators. Ultimately, they had more possession and more chances than FGCU.

Prior to the second half, both teams made substitutions after seeing how close the first half was. Both coaches wanted to switch things up and maybe find some glory from their benches.

Both teams came out very aggressive. FGCU committed two fouls within the first two minutes. Florida found three shots within the first four minutes.

The Gators maintained their dominance early. They moved the ball with purpose as they searched for the opener. Florida kept the pressure and FGCU was struggling to deal with it. The Gators were pushing them closer and closer to their own 18-yard box, but nothing came of it.

The next period of play had a lot of changes of possession. There were throw ins being alternated and passes being intercepted by both teams.

Florida found some chances through good ball movement and was applying the pressure again. The Gators earned a corner but nothing came of it.

FGCU was absorbing the pressure well. They faced a few more shots from the Gators, but didn’t budge. The Eagles turned around and put some pressure on the Florida back line but it was blocked convincingly.

In the last 15 minutes, Florida had two more shots that were both saved by Molina. They were hunting for a goal and were putting the pedal to the metal with their offense. The Eagles didn’t seemed phased and dealt with the pressure easily.

The game finished with both teams settling for a draw. A few more passes around the back and the referee blew the whistle.

A draw that feels like a loss for the Gators and a draw that feels like a win for the Eagles. The Gators had 16 shots, 6 on target, and 8 corners. The Eagles finished with 4 shots, 2 on target, 6 saves, and one corner.

Ultimately, the Gators played a great game despite the result. There’s a lot to be happy about heading into the first SEC game at Kentucky on Thursday, September 19. Hopefully, the Gators can continue with their dominant play and get a result on Thursday.