GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 3-0 win over Tampa Friday closes Florida’s preseason exhibition action.
After a pair of home exhibition wins at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium (Gators won 2-0 over North Florida on Tuesday), Florida now begins regular-season action with a four-match road stretch.
Friday’s scoring:
The opening goal came off junior Julianne Leskauskas’ 27-yard free kick that was above the goalkeeper’s outstretched hand.
A couple of seniors connected twice in the third and final period. Kouri Peace touched the ball ahead to Alivia Gonzalez who scored on a 24-yard chip shot to the middle of the goal in the 69th minute.
Then in the 82nd minute, Gonzalez tapped in the deep cross from Peace for the evening’s final score.
What They Said:
What did you think of today’s performance?
“Well, I think to be fair, I don’t think we’ve played particularly well off and on for most of that first 60 minutes. That reinforces what we’ve been telling them is things aren’t going to come easily to us. We have to go work. We have to earn every single thing that we got.
“So I was happy that we finished a little bit stronger. I think we created some really, really good chances. But again, we’re looking for a little bit more consistent work rate, effort, energy throughout the entire 90.
“But they’re eager. They’ve absorbed all the coaching points that we make at each of the breaks. So I’m optimistic that we’re going to continue to keep making those strides and progress.” – Florida Head Coach Samantha Bohon
How has the team progressed during preseason training?
“I think we’ve progressed mentally. We are all on the same page and super excited to start the season together. Especially with the new coaching staff – there’s a new hope in the air – and we’re playing probably better than we played all last season. So we’re all really excited for that.” – senior Alivia Gonzalez
Next Up:
The 2022 season opens with four consecutive road matches. Florida faces a pair of in-state opponents next week.
Florida at UCF
Date: Aug. 18
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Site: UCF Soccer and Track Complex<https://ucfknights.com/facilities/ucf-soccer-and-track-complex/6>
Admission: $5<https://www.ticketmaster.com/ucf-knights-womens-soccer-vs-florida-orlando-florida-08-18-2022/event/22005CF6D86CCA7D>
Video: ESPN+<https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/8e0a9090-bbbf-473b-9348-ace0a1eec0f9>
Florida at Stetson
Date: Aug. 21
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Site: Athletic Training Center<https://gohatters.com/facilities/athletic-training-center/5>
Admission: $5<https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=329704>
Video: Hatter Vision<https://www.youtube.com/c/HatterVision>
Live Stats<https://gohatters.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary>
Today’s Boxscore:
Florida vs. Tampa
Stadium: Donald R. Dizney Stadium (310)
Goals by Period
1 2 3 Total
Tampa 0 0 0 0
Florida 1 0 2 3
Scoring Summary:
1. 12th UF Julianne Leskauskas
2. 69th UF Alivia Gonzalez Kouri Peace
3. 82nd UF Alivia Gonzalez Kouri Peace
