Florida took on No. 22 Texas in their first home game during SEC play. The Gators looked to bounce back after a frustrating 2-0 defeat in Missouri last Sunday. The Gators had yet to obtain three points in the SEC season so far, but Friday night brought a great opportunity for the Gators to get that win column filled.
The referee blew her whistle and the first half began. Florida and Texas both fought hard for early possession. Florida ended up with possession and looked to apply some early pressure. The pressure resulted in a corner within the first two minutes.
Vera Blom whipped it in from the corner. The ball curved in and found the head of Lauren Donovan near the front post. Donovan guided her header toward the back post gracefully and beat the Texas goalkeeper. It was Florida’s first SEC goal of the season and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Florida continued to string passes and maintain possession after the goal. They got control right back and found another opportunity to score.
The Florida forwards were playing hot potato with the ball, not letting it touch the ground. The ball didn’t touch the ground until it was in the back of the Texas net, again. In what would have been Florida’s second goal, ended up being ruled offside in the build-up play. Texas almost found themselves in deep trouble.
Texas was being dissected by the passing of Florida. The Gators were playing beautifully weighted passes through the defense and applying pressure through crosses from the wing. The Gators won majority of the 50/50 headers in the midfield and have been moving with a sense of purpose.
The Florida line frustrated the Longhorn attackers with their disciplined high line. The Longhorns had eight offsides calls in the first half and one shot.
At halftime, the Gators had seven shots, four corners, and one goal. Texas had one shot on goal, one corner, and a one goal deficit. The Gators dominate the first half. They were playing the best half of their season, so far. The Gators were aggressive through the full 45 minute half and the Longhorns were hanging on, absorbing the Florida pressure.
The second half started and Texas gained control of the ball right away. The Longhorns came out the break very patient. They took their touches, made simple and progressive passes, and controlled the midfield.
After a tough period of pay, things got even tougher for Florida. A late tackle within the box gives Texas a penalty kick. The Gators could see their one goal lead become erased.
The Texas penalty taker, Lexi Missimo, stepped up and hit the ball right into the left post. The ball ricochet right back to her and she put it in firmly into the corner. The assistant referee raised her flag and cancelled the equalizer. Florida still led 1-0.
Texas had five corner kicks in the first 20 minutes of the half. None of them were successful.
Florida started to regain the momentum with 25 minutes left in the half. A few offensive moves allowed Florida to take some threatening opportunities and build the team some momentum.
At the 24:25 minute mark, Laura Donovan found her self at the edge of the 18-yard box. She took a touch inside and struck the ball with her laces, across the goalkeeper, and into the net to double Florida’s lead. This was Donovan’s second of the match.
The Longhorns picked up their intensity after going down two goals. It was now or never for the Longhorns if they wanted to salvage a point.
At the 77:09 mark, Amalia Villarreal got a chance to put the Longhorns back to a one goal deficit. She took her chance and buried a well struck shot into the bottom corner of the net.
With about 13 minutes left to go, The Gators were playing as defensive as possible.
“We had 5 or even 6 in the box at some points,” said Head Coach Samantha Bohon.
It didn’t matter how many were there because it worked.
The Gators held on to their lead and celebrated as the referee blew her whistle. It was their first win in the SEC this season.
It was a statement victory for the Gators.
“This was due. We’ve been playing really well all season,” said Bohon.
Bohan and her Gators got the job tonight in wonderful fashion. Two great finishes from Donovan and a wonderful defensive performance. The Gators look to continue this momentum into their away game at South Carolina on October 10.
ChompTalk.com 
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