Fresh Faces Keep Gators Soccer Hot For 5-0 Win

The Florida soccer team started the season on a sour note in Tallahassee, but have made its mark this past week to turn things around.

Following a 4-2 win on Thursday, the Gators dominated the University of North Florida in their best scoring display since 2023. 

Nearly two years to the day of beating Stetson 8-0, the Gators chomped down on the Ospreys 5-0 with goals from five different scorers Sunday at Dizney Stadium.

After dominating possession early, freshman midfielder Kai Tsakiris was fouled right on the edge of the UNF penalty box in the 25th minute. Tsakiris took the free kick herself and sent the Ospreys keeper the wrong way to give the Gators the lead. 

“Usually I don’t take free kicks,” Tsakiris said. “I just aimed for right above their heads … luckily it went in.”

The shot was the Gators’ first goal from a direct free kick since 2021.

Less than two minutes later, another Gator newcomer earned their first collegiate goal. Sophia Sindelar joined Tsakiris on the scoresheet with a stunning left-footed shot. 

Sindelar took the shot from nearly 30 yards away.

“As soon as I saw that I had that space … I just decided to go for it,” Sindelar said.

Tsakiris and Sindelar followed their goals with steady control of possession in the midfield. However, Florida (2-1) was not willing to slow down.

Junior forward Lena Bailey also opened her account for the season toward the end of the half. She drove in and had a shot deflected into the far-right corner to give the Gators a three-goal advantage.

The halftime break did nothing to slow down Florida’s attack. Jumping straight into the attack, another freshman made her mark in the first minute of the second half. Addy Hess drove into the Osprey’s defense and sent a cross which Njeri Butts headed past the keeper for Florida’s fourth goal. 

After her first collegiate goal Thursday, Butts joined Katie Johnston as Florida’s top scorer this season with two scores apiece.

Playing their second match in four days, the Gators rotated their regular lineup to end the match.

Coach Samantha Bohon said Florida’s improved depth can will help throughout the season.

“It enables us to have options, there’s certain matchups that will suit certain players,” Bohon said. “We’ve been intentional to develop that [rotation] … so that it will pay off in big games.”

Tatum O’Coyne completed the rout, finding a cross that she tapped in to seal the match. 

“I think the score tells the story,” Bohon said of the importance of the Gators avenging their draw against the Ospreys (1-2-1) last season.

Florida closes the homestand Thursday against another state rival, taking on the UCF Knights (4-0) at 7 p.m. (SEC Network+).

Category: Feature Sports News, Gators Soccer, SEC, Soccer