Gators
Josie Curtis dribbles the ball and looks up field in the Gators soccer team's game against the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Ashley Ray.

Gators Soccer Draws 3-3 Against Vanderbilt

Nicholas Diaz October 23, 2023 Feature Sports News, Gators Soccer, NCAA, SEC, Soccer, University of Florida 97 Views

The Florida Gators soccer team headed to Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon for their final road game of the regular season. In a game full of goals, Florida ended up tying the Commodores 3-3. Vanderbilt stays unbeaten at home, moving to 8-4-5 on the year. The Gators are now 6-5-5 on the season. Florida is still in contention to play in the SEC Tournament with just one game left in the regular season.

The Breakdown

The Gators started out fast, scoring just 12 minutes into the game. Megan Hinnenkamp scored her first of two goals in the game off a pass by Lauren McCloskey. Vanderbilt keeper Kate Devine was unable to field the ball, resulting in a Hinnenkamp goal. McCloskey pushed her assist total to a team leading four off the goal.

Then, the Commodores struck back quickly with Rachel Deresky scoring off an assist by Addie Porter at the 18:58 mark of the first half. Florida was clicking on offense in this one, scoring once more at the 30:29 mark. Madeline Pirrelo scored on a header off a free kick from Delaney Tauzel, sending Florida into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

The second half contained all the drama on Sunday afternoon. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Amber Nguyen scored off a free kick from Abi Brighton at the 61:08 mark, tying the game at two apiece. Just 17 minutes later, Vanderbilt took the lead at the 78:03 mark off a goal by Maddie Baker, assisted by Nguyen.

With Florida’s postseason hopes on the line, Hinnenkamp delivered at the 83:24 mark off a fantastic assist by Lena Bailey in the freshman to freshman connection. Bailey dribbled the ball into the right side of Vanderbilt’s box, losing defenders and crossing the ball in to the middle, where Hinnenkamp was able to finish. This is Hinnenkamp’s third game with multiple goals, making her one of six Florida freshman to do so. With just under seven minutes remaining, neither team was able to score, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

The Stats

Florida shot right around their average of 10.4 shots per game, getting off ten shots with six of those being on target. The Gators also had one corner on the afternoon. On the defensive side, Gator keeper Alexa Goldberg was able to save three shots in the match.

Vanderbilt had similar shooting statistics to Florida, getting off eleven shots on the day. The Commodores were also able to put six of those shots on goal. Vanderbilt had three corners in the game. On the defensive side, keeper Kate Devine was able to save three shots in the match.

What’s Next for Gators

Florida matches up against No. 17 South Carolina on Thursday in what is the final home and regular season game for the Gators. With the SEC Tournament imminent, Florida is caught in a tight race for the final spot with Tennessee. Depending on the results in Thursday’s game, Florida might clinch a spot or have their season ended.

Game time is set for 6 p.m. Thursday.

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