Gators Soccer Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling Against Florida Gulf Coast

The Florida Gators soccer team will play its penultimate non-conference match Thursday against the visiting Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.

Florida (3-2) is coming off a decisive 3-1 road victory at Maryland on Sunday. Redshirt freshman forward Addy Hess scored two goals, including the first of her collegiate career in the game. That puts Hess tied for the team lead in goals (2) and points (6). Hess, a transfer from Penn State, was named SEC freshman of the week for her efforts.

WATCH: ADDY HESS SCORES FIRST COLLEGIATE GOAL

There are already eight Gators who have scored their first collegiate goal through five games this season. Junior forward Lena Bailey is the only returning goal-scorer who has found the back of the net for Florida so far. Her goal against North Florida was the seventh of her career.

The Gators and Eagles have one shared opponent, the Florida Atlantic Owls. Though the Gators’ matchup came in a preseason exhibition match, both teams came out victorious, with Florida winning 1-0 and Florida Gulf Coast winning 2-1. Last season, the two teams’ lone matchup resulted in a 0-0 draw. 

Florida Gulf Coast (2-1-1) last played Sunday against Florida International, fighting its way to another 0-0 draw. The Eagles were outshot 20-4 overall and 6-2 with shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Madara Matrevica notched a career-high six saves to secure her first shutout. The Latvian, who recorded nine clean sheets for FS Metta of the Latvian Women’s League last season at 18 years old, will no doubt play a large role in the matchup against Florida.

WATCH: MADARA MATREVICA STOPS A CRUCIAL PENALTY KICK

Other players to watch for Florida Gulf Coast include midfielder Erika Zschuppe and midfielder/defender Ryanne Robinson. Zschuppe is tied for the Atlantic Sun lead with four goals scored. Robinson was named Atlantic Sun defender of the week for last weeks results.

The match at Donald R. Dizney Stadium is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. (ESPN+).

Category: Gators Soccer, SEC, Soccer