Florida defender Abby Gemma (22) jumps to redirect the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sept. 21 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. [Kimberly Blum/WRUF]

Gators Soccer Secures First SEC Win

The Florida soccer team captured its first SEC win of the season Sunday against the Texas Longhorns in Austin.

The 2-1 win against the Longhorns (3-9-1, 1-5 SEC) snapped a three-match draw streak and improved the Gators record to 5-5-3 overall and 1-2-3 in the SEC.

The fire ignited in the 50th minute. After a scoreless first half, Florida’s Kai Tsakiris converted a penalty kick that put the Gators on the board with a team-best fourth goal of the season as she continues to light up the program during her freshman campaign.

https://twitter.com/GatorsSoccer/status/1974935215169556984

In the 57th minute, the Longhorns came charging back. With help from Ava McDonald, Texas Molly MacMilan scored her first goal of the season to put Texas on the board and tie the match at 1-1.

Then the Gators responded by converting yet another penalty kick.

Freshman Sophia Sindelar earned the team a golden ticket when she was brought down in the penalty box in the 65th minute.

Instead of Tsakiris, who has taken the Gators’ last four penalties, centerback Abby Gemma was up for the challenge by sending Texas keeper Kendell Williams in the opposite direction to give Florida the lead.

Leading 2-1, Gemma and the Gators’ defense stood tall to close out a signature victory.

Florida now has six points in SEC play, which lands the Gators in the 12th and final spot for November’s SEC Tournament.

Florida continues its gauntlet Friday against No. 13 Mississippi State (9-2-1, 4-1-1) at Donald R. Dizney Stadium at 7 p.m.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer