Florida Soccer Hits Rough Patch: What the Numbers Say
Florida soccer has hit a wall following a strong start. The Gators are trending the wrong way after their 2-2 tie against Mississippi State last Friday night. Florida is 0-2-1 in its last three games after starting the season 4-1-1.
The Gators sit near the bottom of the SEC standings with only one of six possible points. Here’s what the numbers say about Florida’s rough patch.
1. Shooting
The Gators are finding fewer opportunities, averaging only 12.6 shots per game in the last three games compared to their 18 shots per game on the season. Florida is also generating fewer quality looks with 3.6 shots on goal compared to its season average of 8.2.
The drop off has shown up on the scoreboard too, with the Gators averaging one goal per game compared to their 2.3 goals per game on the season. Florida was also shut out for the first time this season in its 1-0 loss at No. 19 South Carolina.
Against No. 5 Wake Forest, the Gators put up a season low eight shots with only two on goal.
Still, Florida has outshot opponents 38-29 over its last three contests. The attack is still creating chances, but the Gators are having trouble turning chances into goals.
2. Trailing early
Florida has found itself chasing the game over the last three matches. The Gators have conceded a goal in the first half of the past three games, including early goals to Wake Forest in the 15th minute and against Mississippi State in the 11th minute.
The Gators have also struggled to get their offense going early, going scoreless in the first half of each of their past three games and failing to respond once falling behind. The offensive slump extended into a 182-minute drought following Tatum Borman’s goal in the 57th minute against Wake Forest, which Skye Barnes snapped two games later with a goal in the 59th minute against Mississippi State.
3. Defensive struggles
The early goals aren’t the only part of the defensive struggles for Florida. The Gators have allowed 20 corner kicks over the three-game stretch, which accounts for 53% of their corners allowed.
Along with the corners, the Gators have allowed 9.6 shots per game compared to their season average of 7.2 shots per game. This has made goalkeeper Jayden Emmanuel face increased pressure as she has made seven of her 17 saves in the last three matches.
The bounce back begins for the Gators (4-3-2, 0-1-1 SEC) in their SEC home opener at 6 p.m. Thursday against Texas (5-2-2, 0-1-1). Coverage begins on ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF at 5:45 p.m. and on SEC Network+ at 6 p.m.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer
