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  • SOC: Gators Advance on PK Win Over Vanderbilt

    SOC: Gators Advance on PK Win Over Vanderbilt

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    One hundred and ten minutes of play was not enough time for the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores to declare a winner, yet again this season.

    The match, tied 1-1, would head to penalties, where Florida defeated Vanderbilt 4-3 to advance to the second round of the SEC tournament and face No. 2 Tennessee.

    The first half was quite uneventful for both sides. The Gators came out strong, dominating time of possession in the first fifteen minutes, but would eventually stagnate. Outshooting Vanderbilt six to three, Florida’s finishing struggles still lingered.

    “We had some opportunities where we missed that final ball,” coach Amato pointed out at half, “just getting that final touch through there.” 

    Florida could not maintain the aggression they showed in the first third of the first half and Vanderbilt took advantage. In the 72nd minute, Madison Elwell took the ball down the left sideline and delivered a long strike over Goldberg’s fingers to give Vanderbilt the first goal of the match, and the season, between the two squads.

    As time was scarce, the Gators were face to face with elimination. All-SEC second teamer Kit Loferski sent a cross into the box. The ball found the back of Vanderbilt midfielder Abi Brighton’s head where it was redirected into the back of the net. Loferski had tied the game for the Gators with 1:36 on the clock.

    Two ten minute halves of overtime were quite uneventful. Vanderbilt took three shots in this period, none of which came on goal, and Florida took none. The opening match in Orange Beach headed to a penalty shoot out.

    “Take a deep breathe, pick your spot, hit it HARD, and we’ll live with the results” coach Amato told his team heading into penalties.

    Goalkeeper Kate Devine took the first penalty for the Commodores. Her shot went above Goldberg into the net. Madison Alexander matched Devine’s goal with one of her own. Schaumburg and Leskausks both hit their shots as well to make it 2-2.

    Abi Brighton was in the spotlight for the Commodores. She was unable to deliver as her shot went wide right, giving the Gators the opportunity to take the lead. Cameron Hall took it by banking a shot off the left post into the net.

    Vida Raietparvar and Maddy Rhoades both successfully converted their penalties for their respective sides to head to the fifth and final round with Florida ahead 4-3.

    Sophomore Amber Nguyen lined up for the first spot kick of her young collegiate career. Nguyen had scored one goal on eighteen shots in two seasons at Vanderbilt. She stumbled to the ground as she took the shot, the ball sailed wide right, and the Gators were victorious. 

    A ninth win in nine matches against the Commodores in Orange Beach sends the Gators to the second round of the tournament where they will face the Tennessee Volunteers. That match will take place on Tuesday at 1 p.m. eastern.

  • SOC: Gators Ready For Postseason Play

    SOC: Gators Ready For Postseason Play

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    After a long hard fought season of ups and downs, Florida is rewarded with a spot in the SEC tournament and they are set to face seventh seed Vanderbilt in round one.

    Vanderbilt and Florida met earlier this season in an SEC play opener that would end in a scoreless draw in overtime. Alexa Goldberg and the defense proved to be a difference maker in that match, posting a combined nine saves for a 110 minute shutdown.

    The Commodores put together a strong season outscoring their opponents 30-20, while taking 12.6 shots per game. Raegan Kelly and Madison Elwell have strongly contributed to their success. Kelly leads the team with eight goals while Elwell leads the team with nine assists.

    In order for the Gators to succeed in this match, they are going to need to limit the production out of Kelly and Elwell in order to limit the pressure put on their defense. 

    In the shutout against Vanderbilt earlier this season, the Commodores took nineteen shots and nine shots on net, more than double of what the Gators did. It is going to be very difficult for Florida to replicate the defensive result of that match if they allow Vanderbilt to put that much pressure on Goldberg instead.

    Offensively, the key to Florida’s success is to continue what they have been doing since halftime of last Thursday’s match against Georgia: spreading the ball, connecting on open passes, and executing once opportunities are created.

    Round one will kick off as Florida takes on Vanderbilt on Sunday at 2 p.m. eastern in Orange Beach. The match can be streamed on SEC Network. The winner will go on to face Tennessee on Tuesday.

  • Staff Predictions: Florida vs Georgia

    Staff Predictions: Florida vs Georgia

    It’s that time of year. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is finally upon us.

    The Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators will head to Jacksonville for one of the most exciting neutral site games in the nation.

    Las Vegas doesn’t exactly agree with that statement as the Dawgs are a two touchdown favorite over the Gators.

    Either way, this is a rivalry game and you know what that means: it’s anyone’s game to win.

    The following are our staff’s predictions for the Florida – Georgia showdown:

    …

    Brian Fox:

    The Georgia Bulldogs are the #1 team in America. The most surprising thing is that they’ve largely done it with Stetson Bennett at QB. Last time Florida and UGA met, Bennett looked lost completing just 5-16 for 78 yards. Bennett has been a completely different player this year. He’s thrown for nearly 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns and 2 picks. But, it all starts along the line of scrimmage. Bennett and the UGA stable of backs have time and holes and take advantage. On the other side, the Georgia defensive front seven is stout and allows just 62 rushing yards per game. If Florida is going to keep it close, it’ll have to be through the air. Georgia has a really talented team this year. Florida is a middling program that is looking to get out of a funk. I just don’t think it happens this week. Georgia, 38-17.

    Jesse Richardson:

    The Georgia Bulldogs are bringing a defense that’s set to destroy this Florida offense. In 2021, UGA has held opponents to 6.57 points and while the Gators gain 6.3 rush yards per attempt, the Bulldogs suppress the opposition to only 2.2 rushing yards per snap. The running attack has been the focal point for the Florida offense and if Georgia is able to chain down Nay’Quan Wright, Dameon Pierce or even quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Gators may have a long day on the scoreboard. Mullen will also shuffle his quarterbacks once again this week to throw off the offensive momentum as the coach looks for a desperate answer of who will start the rest of the year. If Florida can’t sneak past the juggernaut Alabama Crimson Tide because of a missed extra point, I don’t have strong feelings for the Cocktail Party. Georgia, 45-14.

    Rachel Slay:

    Predicting the Gators’ performance this year feels like a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. This weekend, Florida has the opportunity to patch up fans’ broken hearts and potentially break those of top-ranked Georgia. Describing it as a “tall task” is a gross understatement, especially after a pair of losses to Kentucky and LSU that knocked them out of the top 25 rankings. Georgia averages over 400 offensive yards per game this season. Plus, the Bulldogs defense has yet to allow more than 13 points, and their rush defense ranks second. Despite a less than impressive couple of weeks on the record books, not all signs point to utter defeat. The Gators enter with the fourth best rush offense in the FBS. And hey, there’s always the chance that the same explosive energy from the second half against Alabama will reinfect the underdogs. While I suspect the heated rivalry will expose some emotional wrinkles within the Bulldogs, I don’t expect Florida to dismantle the nation’s leading team. Georgia, 41-17.

    …

    Florida and Georgia will kick off from TIAA Bank Stadium at 3:30 PM on Saturday. The game will be broadcast live on CBS.

  • SOC: Gators Drop Tight Match vs South Carolina; Advance to SEC Tourney

    SOC: Gators Drop Tight Match vs South Carolina; Advance to SEC Tourney

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    After a pass blocked by Georgia Eaton-Collins went out the back end line, South Carolina set up for a corner.

    Cameron Hall was able to momentarily clear the ball, however, South Carolina was quick and put it back in the box.

    A shuffle in the box found sophomore Catherine Barry who finished with a sliding shot putting the ball in the lower right corner of the net, out of Alexa Goldberg’s reach.

    Berry’s goal would be the decider in Thursday’s match, giving the Gamecocks a 2-1 victory over the Gators in their regular season finale. The Gators finished the season at 4-11-3 with ten points in conference play.

    The match started in Florida’s favor as they took a 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute. Forward Madison Alexander took a left footed shot that got past South Carolina goalkeeper Heather Hinz to the bottom right of the net. Her goal came assisted by Kit Loferski and Eaton-Collins, the second straight match Loferski and Alexander connected for the opening goal. 

    That lead wouldn’t last long. A breakdown in the Gators back line allowed Gamecocks’ graduate Ryan Gareis through two defenders. She bounced a shot off the post past Goldberg for the equalizer. 

    Possession was held by Florida for much of the start of the second half. They kept the ball on the South Carolina end of the pitch, however, they could not settle down and create good looks at Hinz. 

    Tides turned after a South Carolina corner in the 77th minute. Catherine Barry’s team high sixth score put them ahead of the Gators and held for the win.

    “I thought it was our best performance of the season: the energy, the approach to the game, our mentality, our attitude, our work rate, and how we executed,” said coach Amato, “We play a sport where you can play really well and not always come out on the winning end.”

    Despite the loss Amato and the Gators’ hopes were still high for an SEC postseason berth.

    “Their approach tonight was that we are going to get into the SEC tournament and find a way to still perform well and make a little run,” Amato claimed, “although this is [the seniors] last game here, we feel like we got more games in us.”

    Their hopes would become reality when a Texas A&M loss advanced Florida to the SEC tournament as the tenth seed.

    Florida will face seventh seed Vanderbilt in Sunday’s opening round in Orange Beach at 2 p.m.

  • WBB: Gators Eager to Leave Past Behind Them

    WBB: Gators Eager to Leave Past Behind Them

    Head coach Kelly Rae Finley and team are focused on upcoming season

    The Florida Gators women’s basketball team broke their silence Thursday afternoon. The team, led by new head coach Kelly Rae Finley, hosted a media session on Thursday morning to discuss the expectations for the 2021-22 season. Guards Lavender Briggs, Kiara Smith and Zippy Broughton joined their coach to take on any questions.

    The team had been rather silent since The Alligator released a report stating allegations of abuse from former coach Cameron Newbauer toward former and current players on the roster. Finley and the players traded the microphone to address the team’s stance but it seems that everyone is eager to move on.

    After the first question about Newbauer was asked by the media, Finley immediately responded with, “Our administration has addressed the previous allegations, and our focus is on the upcoming season.”

    The player’s answers were no different, either dismissing the question or giving a short answer.

    But overall, the team seems to be in a comfortable state under its new play caller. Finley was asked if she felt like she let the team down due to previous allegations from former Gator Cydnee Kinslow. Graduate Kiara Smith was quick to intercept the question and answer, “No.”

    Kinslow stated in a report that Finley was complicit in the abuse that was performed by Newbauer during his tenure.

    Lavender Briggs was also asked about the Finley accusations and Briggs didn’t hesitate to challenge the question head on and accuse Kinslow of false allegations.

    “She’s speaking on things that aren’t even her experience and if those players wanted to speak on those experiences, they would have, they still will, but I’m pretty sure they don’t, which is why they haven’t been spoken about,” Briggs said.

    “As far as Cydnee goes, she doesn’t speak for me,” Briggs said. “She doesn’t speak for the team. So, I mean, what she said doesn’t really matter.”

    Florida opens the season with an exhibition against Flagler College on November 5 before tipping off the regular season on November 9 vs Georgia State in Gainesville.

  • SOC: Gators Ready for Regular Season Finale vs South Carolina

    SOC: Gators Ready for Regular Season Finale vs South Carolina

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    Only one match of regular season play remains and the Gators have positioned themselves to clinch a spot to Orange Beach.

    After a 4-0 victory on Sunday over Louisiana State, Florida jumped to ten in the SEC standings meaning that Thursday’s regular season finale versus South Carolina is a win-and-in situation for the Gators.

    The Gamecocks started SEC play hot, winning their first four matches. Like the Gators, however, they went on a winless streak before picking up a 4-0 victory on Sunday.

    South Carolina’s back line has been the key to their success this season. They have prevented opponents from getting past them as they have only allowed 3.56 shots on goal per game.

    Look for the Gators forwards Kit Loferski and Madison Alexander to put pressure on Gamecocks goalkeeper Heather Hinz who is last in the conference with a .621 save percentage in SEC play.

    If the Gators are successful in doing so, they will be in prime position for a second straight win. The Gamecocks have lost in three of four SEC matches when their opponents have gotten more than four shots on target.

    “We’re going to have to against one of the best teams in the conference on Thursday to sustain their attack and keep the ball out of the back of our net,” coach Amato said about the upcoming match. “We’ll use some clips from [Sunday] to show that total team effort for Thursday’s prep.”

    Florida concludes their regular season on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. This match can be streamed on SEC Network+ or attended for free at Donald R. Disney stadium.

  • The Gridiron Growl Podcast: Florida – Georgia Week

    The Gridiron Growl Podcast: Florida – Georgia Week

    Check out the latest episode of The Gridiron Growl Podcast as Mark McLeod and Jake Hitt are joined by Brian Fox to discuss Florida – Georgia Week.

    The trio discuss which of Florida’s rivalries is the best before getting into a preview of this week’s game.

    Click play on the following audio player to listen to this week’s episode of The Gridiron Growl Podcast:

    You can also follow The Gridiron Growl Podcast on the following platforms:

  • WGYM: Future Gators Win Three Medals at FIG World Championships

    WGYM: Future Gators Win Three Medals at FIG World Championships

    Photo by Toru Hanai | Getty Images

    Remember our Meet the Freshmen post where we said this was going to be the most decorated class of Gators ever? Well, those numbers just went up again, as incoming freshman Leanne Wong just added a World AA silver and FX bronze to her medal collection! The 2023 class will be no slouch either, as her teammate Kayla DiCello earned bronze in the all-around as well.

    It was a difficult World Championships for the U.S., as none of the Olympic team continued on to compete at Worlds, so the hopes were left to alternates Wong and DiCello, as well as Konnor McClain and eMjae Frazier, against a pretty experienced field of previous World and Olympic medalists. Competition was especially tough from the Russians, with both Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova returning to compete from the gold-winning team in Tokyo.

    Qualifications had its hiccups, with some difficulties on bars from both future Gators, but both qualified to the all-around, beam, and floor finals nonetheless. The all-around final showed Wong in peak form, as she was credited with her full difficulty on all events and competed an exceptionally clean meet, scoring 56.340. She placed second behind Melnikova by a mere 0.292, a far closer margin than their separation in qualifications and an outstanding effort against the reigning Olympic AA bronze medalist. DiCello was far further off that pace with a 54.566, but that was including a fall on bars, indicating just how strong her program as a whole can be when she hits everything. Here’s a peek at Wong’s incredibly clean bars set from the AA competition that Gator fans should look forward to seeing this coming season.

    Both future Gators had falls in the beam final, so they were out of medal contention, and floor was their last chance to fight for a medal. DiCello unfortunately had an uncharacteristic mistake and did not connect her dance elements, so she ended up placing fifth. However, Wong had a mostly hit routine, with just some small form things here and there, and though she went third, her score held up through the remaining five competitors to be good for the bronze medal, eking out third over Urazova by 0.133. Downgrading a little will do her a lot of good once she arrives in Gainesville, as with less difficult passes, she’ll be able to focus on her form more, which is normally impeccable. Keep your eyes peeled for a preview of her NCAA floor routine – we can only imagine what magic Jeremy James Miranda will work with her. In the meantime, here’s Wong’s floor from qualifications to tide you over.

    Despite finishing behind Wong in all three finals they qualified to, DiCello is no slouch. Gator fans should look forward to seeing her in the O-Dome starting in 2023. Her power and form should make for a strong combination in NCAA, particularly on vault and floor, and she’ll be a welcome addition considering how many athletes the team stands to lose after graduation this year. Here’s her FX routine from podium training, including some changes she made since Olympic Trials to improve her execution and artistic expression.

    Press releases from Gator Gymnastics indicate that Wong enrolled in classes in the fall, so expect to see her practicing back on campus very soon! DiCello will finish her senior year, and potentially contend for 2022 World Championships, before coming to Gainesville for the 2023 season. With additions like these, Florida has an enormous opportunity in the next two years to finally climb back to the top. Can they do it? Tune with us every Friday night starting January 7th for our meet liveblogs to find out!

    Follow @chomptalk and @mycluttereddesk on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest Gator Gymnastics news.

  • SOC: Gators Inch Closer to SEC Tourney Berth With 4-0 Rout of LSU

    SOC: Gators Inch Closer to SEC Tourney Berth With 4-0 Rout of LSU

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    Graduate forward Kit Loferski bent in a shot from the outside which graduate Madison Alexander put the rebound into the bottom left corner of the net. That goal was the only of the first half, putting the Gators up 1-0 for their first halftime lead since September 26th against Mississippi State.

    Loferski would continue to make her presence felt against LSU. In the 55th minute, she centered the ball to junior Alivia Gonzalez. Gonzalez crossed up a defender before getting off a shot and scoring.

    The Gators extended their lead seven minutes later. Sophomore Sydney Urban took a corner and placed the ball perfectly in front of the net where freshman Madison Young was set up for the header. 

    A foul in the box in the 72nd minute would set the Gators up for their first penalty kick attempt of the season. Loferski took the shot and put it in the opposite direction of the diving LSU keeper.

    Four goals for the Gators in this contest would be just the second match where they scored three or more goals, the other being Thursday at Georgia. Seven goals in the last two matches ties the gators total for the ten prior matches.

    “In the past two games we’ve scored seven goals which is huge for us, especially coming off of the beginning of the season that we’ve had” Loferski stated. “We’ve been on the upclimb. It was a great confidence boost cutting into Thursday.”

    Sunday’s 4-0 victory puts the Gators at 10 points, jumping ahead of LSU, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M, pending results from Mississippi State and Texas A&M’s matches later today.

    The Gators will play their final match of the regular season this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against South Carolina.

  • SOC: Gators have work to do for SEC Tourney berth

    SOC: Gators have work to do for SEC Tourney berth

    Orange Beach is approaching rapidly and with just two games remaining, Florida desperately needs points to keep them alive. 

    Entering Thursday, the Gators were tied for the ninth seed of the tournament with Texas A&M at seven points. A goal in the final five minutes against Georgia ended all comeback efforts, preventing the Gators from adding to that total.

    Elsewhere in SEC play, the LSU Tigers dismantled South Carolina 4-0 putting their point total at nine and leapfrogging the Gators. Mississippi State edged out Texas A&M 2-1 to increase their point total to seven.

    The Gators now sit in a three way tie for the final seed of the tournament at seven points with Texas A&M and Mississippi State. LSU is just ahead of the three with nine points.

    On Sunday, the Gators will return to Donald R. Disney stadium to face the LSU Tigers at noon in a must win match.

    The Tigers (10-5-0, 3-5-0) started their season on an eight game win streak before dropping the next five in conference play. Since then, they have won their past two matches, defeating Kentucky 1-0 and South Carolina 4-0.  

    LSU has been far more effective offensively and defensively than Florida thus far. They have outscored their opponents by 21 while the Gators have been outscored by 17.

    For the Gators to get out of their five game losing streak, the key will be capitalizing. In Thursday’s comeback effort, the Gators showed flashes of what they are capable of in terms of capitalizing on opportunities, which has been an issue for them all season.

    Mollee Swift, LSU goalkeeper, being third in the SEC with a .809 save percentage paired with an unimpressive .094 shot percentage for the Gators may be an issue. 

    If the Gators can create space and take effective shots like they did in the second half versus Georgia, they can position themselves to stay in the fight for an SEC postseason berth.


    Senior day will take place at the Diz on Sunday at noon for Florida’s match against LSU. There will be free admission to watch the careers of seniors Madison Alexander, Taylor Baksay, Georgia Eaton Collins, Kit Loferski, Shaye Seyffart and Samantha Tobar celebrated. The match will also be streamed on SEC network+.