On paper, Saturday’s matchup against the No. 2 offense and the No. 1 defense looks as if offense prevailed – but that could not be further from the truth.
In front of a rowdy crowd at the Donald R. Dizney stadium, Florida topped Colorado 9-7, their lowest scoring game since their Final Four exit in last year’s NCAA tournament. With its offense struggling to rack up points, Florida relied heavily on its defense to get the job done.
“When one side of the field isn’t having a great day, you got to lean in on the opposite side,” Gators coach Amanda O’Leary said. “I thought our defense really, really held us in the game.”
The Gators switched from their normal zone and played in a man defense, meaning each Florida player was assigned to solely guard a Colorado player. Executing the new defensive plan, switching on screens and active sticks, made the Buffaloes turn the ball over seven times, four of those being directly caused by Florida.
Whenever Colorado got into scoring position, Susan Radebaugh prevented the Buffaloes from capitalizing. In the previous game against Arizona State, she allowed six goals in the first half with a save percentage of only 40%, getting subbed out before the half. Saturday’s game showcased an improved performance.
In the first quarter, she saved 4 of 6 shots, with two back-to-back in the first 10 minutes of play. Her first save in the third quarter led to a fast-break goal on the other end, giving Florida its first lead, 4-3. After ending with a career-high 14 saves and a save percentage of 63.2%, O’Leary had nothing but praise for the sophomore goalkeeper.
“Today, Susan owned it,” she said. “She made some crucial saves when we needed her to, was really composed in her clears. She did a phenomenal job today.”
However, good defense does not put points on the scoreboard – offense does, and Colorado lived up to the hype as the nation’s No. 1 defense.
The Buffaloes played in a high-pressure zone, pushing Florida out of scoring range and forcing the team to make long passes, which they picked off. The Gators ended the game with a season-high 17 turnovers, six forced by the Buffaloes.
Florida also struggled to shooting, finishing with two shot clock violations. The Gators normally shoot an average of 33.5 shots a game but only took 19 shots Saturday with 10 on goal. The Buffaloes had eight shots on goal in just the first half.
O’Leary made some offensive changes in the final quarter, moving midfielder Gabby Koury lower so she could hit the cutters in the middle. These changes led to Florida going on a 4-0 run for 13 minutes.
While the Gators didn’t record a hat trick, six players found the back of the net, including Carly Wilson. Wilson, who is coming off a knee injury last season, notched her second goal of the season early in the fourth off the free position. That goal gave Florida for good.
“It [the goal] was such a momentum boost for us,” O’Leary said. “Kudos to her for coming off the bench…stepped up, owned it and did a great job.”
Florida is returns to Donald R. Dizney Stadium on Wednesday against the South Florida Bulls. As with any opponent, O’Leary is expecting a drag-out game for the players, especially against an in-state opponent.
“Bring your popcorn,” O’Leary said. “It’s going to be a good one.”
