The 2024 soccer season is here. I'm very optimistic about this year's team and the direction that Coach Samantha Bohon and her staff have the program headed. She started with a team that had won only 2 games (none in the SEC) and most of the starters transferred out before her arrival. She focused on development rather than quick fixes, and won 2 SEC games her first year (2022) despite having a roster that had been gutted. Then she led the team to a .500 record last year, and only narrowly missed the SEC tournament. Under her leadership, the soccer program is certainly on an upward trajectory. The Gators have added 9 new players to the 2024 roster. The HS recruits are Norah Abbott, Ryleigh Acosta, Skye Barnes, and Zamiyah Hill. Vera Bloom comes to Gainesville from Sweden's national program, and UF picked up 4 transfers: Emma Duval, Emilee Hauser, Kaela Standish, and Delaney Tellex. Much of the 2023 roster returns for 2024. After a slow start, they were playing very well at the end of 2023 and missed upsetting several top teams due to a few shots on goal that narrowly missed. This year, I suspect those shots will go in. I do expect their defense to remain a strength in 2024, and I expect their improved offense in the run of play at the end of 2023 to continue into and throughout 2024. I'm sure Coach Bohon is also working hard on their set-piece attacks. This should be a good year for UF soccer. I'm looking forward to it.
They've just got to score more goals. Goaltending and defense have been very good during all these lean years. Offense just has to be better.
So you get out to many games? I too am hopeful for some greater offensive options. I hear top freshman scorer from last year may be out for awhile due to injury.
Unfortunately, I live too far away to attend many games. But I am relatively close to the SEC tourney site. I hadn't heard about any injury.
I hope we can turn it around. We dominated the SEC and now have allowed several programs to pass us up. Next up on the road at Georgia Southern on Saturday.
All I ask for is improvement - not losing to USF is promising, tieing georgia southern isn't great. the 0-0 result with no goals is the concern, but won't Obsess over a preseason game. Team has lacked quality in the final third. hopefully we have added some pace to the roster as well, because that seemed to be lacking.
Predicted to be tied for 13th in the SEC. which means 13th, 14, or 15th since 3 teams were tied for 13th.
Well today is the day. The 2024-2025 athletic year begins. Western Carolina at Florida Fri., Aug. 16 / 7:00 PM EDT SECN+ Let's GO GATORS!
They beat WCU tonight 2-0. Beat harder than expected even if WCU is experienced, the second goal came real late and WCU had a few really good chances to tie it before that. But a good start to the season nonetheless.
1-0 to start the year. Every win is a big win considering where this program has been the last few years.
WCU is no pushover. They won their conference and made the NCAA Tournament last year. Good win. Nice to start the season 1-0.
Just to follow up on this for those who haven't seen it yet: UF soccer's Megan Hinnenkamp, their top scorer and 2023 Co-Freshman of the year, and Tatum O'Coyne are both out for the year due to injury. Both are forwards. I'd link the article except that 1) I'm not sure if it's allowed, and 2) I stink at using almost everything that has a touch screen.
Thanks for the info. I found the article and am posting the link. Staying Power: Bohon Leans on 5th-Year Returning Trio - Florida Gators
Staying Power - these girls are true Gators. When others ran to greener pastures they stood firm with their commitment to their school and team.
Well, they didn't lose tonight, but getting a 0-0 tie with UNF doesn't bode well for upcoming matches against UCF, FSU and the SEC. Florida Opens Road Play with 0-0 Tie at North Florida - Florida Gators