(SOC) Gators at Vandy

Must win for UF's tourney hopes.

Florida took an early lead on a GK mistake that Hinnenkamp forced, then finished.

But, UF's defense flubbed a clearance near the goal and Vandy pulled level.

Tied 1-1 midway through first half.

 

Tessa Barton leg injury as the Vandy GK fell into her extended leg. She immediately grabbed her knee. After being checked by the trainer, she eventually walked off with some assistance.

Whether she can return is TBD.

 

Gators retake the lead on a free kick: nice, soft (managable) service into the box and a flick (header) by Pirrello over the charging Vandy GK.

 

Halftime: UF leads 2-1.

UF has had success with long passes from central midfield, attacking behind Vandy's back line. Vandy's success has come attacking deep in the flanks. Both teams had several good opportunities to score further.

I really like the pressure UF's offense has generated, so far.

 

Big opportunity missed by UF: penalty kick, but hit it head high only halfway between goal-center and the left post. Easy save for Vandy.

This is something I've been thinking about: IF Florida makes it to the SEC tourney, their defense-first style of play could easily result in a tie and resulting penalty-kick shootout. I hope they prepare for that.

 

Florida fouls just outside(-ish) the box. Defense was caught napping on the restart (how!?) and Vandy ties it 2-2.

 

Crap!

Goldberg didn't get her hands on a ball across the goal, and Vandy cleaned it up to go-ahead.

Vandy 3-2 with 12 minutes remaining.

 

Amazing!

Bailey weaves her way through the defense, gets the ball to Hinnenkamp, who controls the deflection of her shot attempt and stuffs it into the goal. Now tied 3-3.

 

Final 3-3.

Easily UF's best offense play all year. UF had several VERY narrow misses in the final 10 minutes. Man, that missed PK hurt.

EDIT: I've got to give credit for something I've been harping about: UF markedly improved their passing in this game.

They will need a lot of help, now, to make the tourney. But, in terms of improved play, this season is already a success. And, their regular season W-L record will be no worse than .500. First time since since '19.

Who woulda' thunk it?

 

What you suggest has merit. No doubt about it. But I'd like to revise my answer to it (in the "ongoing" thread):

Hinnenkamp and Bailey are UF's fastest forwards. I think Coach is platooning them to keep one of her fastest forwards on the field nearly all the time.

Today, it was late in the game - no need to save anybody for later - and they were trailing. So, Coach went all-hands-on-deck and got a great result.

The prospect of seeing them playing together a lot more is tantalizing, isn't it? To that end, Coach already has at least one speedy recruit for next year to add to the mix. But, I don't imagine she'll change her strategy at this point, this year.

 

I admit: I don't understand how divisional points affect selection of the tourney teams.

EDIT: I just fund this on the SEC website: "Seeding 1-10 is based on Conference points regardless of division."

But, just doing some hoping here: Can SC improve their seeding with a victory against UF on Wednesday, or hurt it with a tie or loss?

If not, I wonder if the SC coach would rest some starters - and improve UF's prospects?