Gators Soccer Hosts FGCU With Perfect Series Mark on the Line

The Florida Gators (3-2) host the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (2-1-1) on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The Gators aim to build momentum after a 3-1 win at Maryland, where redshirt freshman Addy Hess scored twice. She was named SEC Freshman of the Week.

Looking to make it two straight wins, the Gators hope to maintain their all-time undefeated record (7-0-1) against the Eagles at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

“I was really proud of our players, because at the end of the day, we all know as coaches that you’re going to have good wins, pretty wins, ugly wins,” Florida coach Samantha Bohon said. “For our kind of younger group to figure out a way to win this game was really important for us early on in the season.”

The Gators’ offense has diversified its scoring attack with nine players control 12 total goals over five games (2.40 per game).

“It was amazing to finally get some [goals],” Hess said. “I’ve been on the edge of getting a few, and finally putting it on the back of the net felt so good. It feels good to do that for my teammates.” 

Hess, who scored two goals at Maryland, and graduate forward Charlotte McClure were the latest to get on the scoreboard in Sunday’s road victory.

“I am outside the box for free kicks,” McClure said. “This time that I scored, I just thought, ‘Why not just go in?’ We knew the goalie hit it out a lot of times. I remember it was bouncing around, and I just volleyed it one time.”

Florida Gulf Coast enters with ASUN title aspirations and a defense-first mindset. The Eagles boast a 6-0 victory over Webber International, a 6-1 home loss to LSU, a 2-1 away win at FAU, and a scoreless draw at FIU so far on the season.

Freshman goalkeeper Madara Matrevica had six saves during the FIU game — the Panthers outshot FGCU 20–4.

Midfielder Erika Zschuppe leads the attack with four goals; she also earned FGCU’s preseason honors for Midfielder of the Year, alongside defender Lauren Dwyer (ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year) and forward Kendal Gargiula on the All-ASUN team.

This week, junior Ryanne Robinson was named ASUN Defensive Player of the Week after leading the back line through the opening stretch of games.

History favors Florida. The Gators played to a scoreless draw in last year’s meeting in Fort Myers—the only time FGCU has avoided defeat against UF.

After Sunday’s game against Georgia State, Florida moves to SEC play with Arkansas visiting on Sept. 11.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer, Soccer