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The Gators played their final match of the season against Tennessee. This game was supposed to be played 31 days ago, but due to Hurricane Helene, it was delayed. The hurricane gave this game some suspense as Tennessee needed to beat Florida in order to make the SEC tournament. Florida looked to spoil the season for their rivals and to get a positive result to send the fans home with a good end to the season.

The first half was a seesaw of possession. The ball flew up and down the pitch finding a different team every couple of seconds. It was a scrappy matchup that didn’t allow for too much possessive play.

Tennessee had some threatening moves during the half. Two of them came from free kicks about 10-15 yards back from the 18-yard box. The Vols didn’t capitalize, but they were knocking on the door.

Florida had opportunities too as their wing play has been the main output of their attack. Pressure from Vera Blom and Lena Bailey allowed the Gators to put in some dangerous balls in the box.

Tennessee was the first to cash in on the scoresheet.

With 2:18 left in the first half, a deflection off the corner kick finds Sarah Greiner, who struck the ball in hopes of finding the back of the net.

The shot is partially blocked by a Gators defender. The ball changed pace and direction, making it extremely frustrating for Goldberg as she couldn’t react quick enough. The Vols take the lead and it couldn’t have come at a better time for them.

With 41:15 left in the second half, a great save by Alexa Goldberg keeps the Gators within one. A wide open strike is low and Goldberg did well to shuffle her feet and make the save.

Goldberg had another save at the 30 minute mark with what felt like a surefire goal. What a save as she stops the ball right on the line. The Vols still lead just 1-0.

The rest of the half was back and forth with Tennessee and Florida both attacking passionately. They both aren’t satisfied with the currents core line and both coaches are making offensive substitutions.

The Vols began to absorb in the last 10 minutes. Florida was applying serious pressure and the Vols were looking for anything to hold on to.

Florida played their best in the last 5 minutes, earning corner kicks and having shots on target. Tennessee was doing everything to avoid having their season ruined in the remaining seconds.

Tennessee closed out the match and earned themselves a spot in the SEC tournament.

The Gators lose their final game in what has been a underwhelming season. The Gators finish with one win in the SEC and 5 points.

Despite the results, there has been much to learn from both the players and Coach Bohon.

“This was a true test of my character. I could’ve easily transferred out of her my sophomore year. Having sticking through with this program gave me such a fight,” said Madison Young. Young was emotional as her time as a Gator ended tonight. “I genuinely believe the lessons it (UF Soccer) taught me changed me for life.”

After a tough season, Coach Bohon took a moment to reflect.

“This is a really valuable lesson for us as coaches as well as the players, that you can’t always control the results but you can control your attitude, your effort, and if you’re a good teammate. I think they felt that there was success this season,” said Coach Bohon.