(SOC) Gators Seek More Progress, Signature Win

Gators Seek More Progress, Signature Win
By Julianna Reichenbach, FloridaGators.com Writing Intern
After falling just short in a 1-0 loss at home Sunday to an Ole Miss team just outside the top 25, the Gators face a Tennessee team Thursday night firmly entrenched in the rankings at No. 12.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida soccer team is improving, though still in renovation mode.
Creating more goal-scoring chances was one of the Gators' primary goals heading into Southeastern Conference play after going 1-5-1 against their non-league slate. Three games against SEC play has brought some encouraging signs, namely a couple wins, but also Sunday's 1-0 home defeat against an Ole Miss team that came in sitting just outside the top 25.

Coach Tony Amato praised his players for generating chances, but ultimately it was the Rebels and All-SEC forward Channing Foster, who scored the game's lone goal in the 13th minute, who made a play that took advantage of a generated chance.

"We got better in that area. Now the final piece to that is finishing what we're creating," said Amato, now more than halfway through his first UF season. "Our next step this week is to combine all of that stuff."

The week began against an opponent seated just outside the rankings. It continues Thursday night when the Gators (3-6-3, 2-1-1) go on the road to face Tennessee (10-1, 3-1), a team firmly entrenched in the rankings at No. 12. UF will get there hoping to build on what it has done well.

Amato told the team it must work on doing the tough things and playing in space to create attacks and finish opportunities.

"I know the result sucks, [but] it wasn't a bad performance," he said Sunday. "So we'll break it down, we'll get better and find a way to go to Tennessee."
Midfielder Nicole Vernis noted that during halftime of the Ole Miss game, Amato encouraged the team to avoid moving the ball just to move it. It should instead create chances — move it with a purpose — in search of shots and plays that lead to scoring opportunities, like corner kicks.

After three shots in the first half, the Gators surged to seven shots in the second. That's good.

Overall, Florida put five of its 10 shots on goal. Vernis, the redshirt sophomore, thought she'd netted a score in the first half, but was called offsides. Florida received three such calls.

"That shows that you're on the edge trying to push, trying to get a chance," Amato said.

Sophomore Maddy Rhodes had a chance with shots at both ends, including one in the last five minutes, a period where the crowd repeatedly felt on the brink of a score.

Amidst all the opportunities created, the Gators certainly have a source of pride. Amato knows his team continues making progress following the conference wins; he said the squad played good enough to win Sunday.
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