Gator Soccer Loses Heartbreaker 2-1 to Baylor

AUSTIN, Texas – Baylor’s game-winner in the 89th minute ended Gator soccer’s come-back effort as the Bears took a 2-1 win Thursday afternoon at the University of Texas’ Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field.

Thursday’s scoring:
After a scoreless opening half, Florida started the final 45 minutes with some great looks. In the 51st minute, Alivia Gonzalez played the ball deep into the box but Sophie White couldn’t quite get the scoring touch to get the ball across the line. Just three minutes late, a 1v1 opportunity for White kicked off the Baylor goalkeeper to keep the Gators off the board.

Baylor scored off a set play to take the lead in the 57th minute. Ashley Merrill rose up to head in the Maddie Algya corner kick at the far post.

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the match, Gonzalez tied up the match. The scoring play started when Erica Roberts played the ball forward to Tessa Barton at the top of the box. Barton’s shot kicked off the post and traveled across the mouth of the goal. Gonzalez was there at far post to put in her second consecutive goal of the season.

The Bears got the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute. Terry Haven’s centering pass found Gabby Mueller in the middle of the box. Her right-footed shot scored at the upper slot from 15 yards.

Records:
Florida: 1-2-0, 0-0-0 SEC
Baylor: 1-1-1, 0-0-0 Big 12

Series Record:
Today was the first meeting between Florida and Baylor.

What Coach Bohon Said:
On tonight’s result:
“I was disappointed with the first half. I think one of the frustrations was we felt that the game plan was pretty spot on. Sometimes it takes until you actually see it in person. So I felt like we were on our backfoot for a lot of the first half and I think that was unnecessary.

“So we made some changes at halftime and I actually think we made good changes that resulted in us getting a little bit more on the front foot sending numbers forward. We had a great breakaway chance with the keeper; she made great save so credit to her. When we tied it up with under 10 minutes left, I thought ‘okay, we can kind of push maybe for that winner.’ They just made a single play with under two minutes to get the result, which is obviously heartbreaking.

“We’ve got a really young group, we had to play a lot of players in different positions and so it was a big ask for them. I’m disappointed because I felt like we should have come out of there with minimally a tie. So it’s frustrating to come out with a loss.” – Florida Head Coach Samantha Bohon

Another opportunity on Sunday:
“Texas is one of the most talented teams on paper in the country. They have a lot of weapons and they’re well coached. So we’re certainly going to have a test ahead of us on Sunday. But again, that’s what we want to ask of these young players and some of the returners. These games will only help us get better down the road.” – Florida Head Coach Samantha Bohon

Next Up:
Florida finishes its four road match season opening stretch Sunday versus Texas.

Sunday, Aug. 28 at Texas
Time/Site: 4 p.m. ET at Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field<https://texassports.com/sports/2013/7/25/facilities_0725133514.aspx>
TV: Longhorn Network<https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c11f799b-9ace-4dbf-a7fb-d964b9e54111> with action called by Adrian Healey and Jill Loyden
Radio: ESPN 98.1 FM / 850 AM<https://www.wruf.com/listen-live/> with action called by Kyle Crooks
Live Stats<https://texassports.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary>
Tickets: Free

Baylor (1-1-1, 0-0 Big 12) vs. Florida (1-2-0, SEC 0-0-0)

Stadium: Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field

Weather: 91degrees, winds NE at 6 mph

Goals by Period

Total

Baylor

Florida

Scoring Summary:

No.

Time