Behind first-half goals from midfielders Erika Tymrak and Holly King and a staunch defensive effort led by Kathryn Williamson, the 12th-ranked Florida Gators defeated Vanderbilt, 2-0, before a James G. Pressly Stadium crowd of 2,541 Friday night.
The win improved UF to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in SEC play while the Commodores fell to 6-5, 0-3.
Tymrak’s team-leading ninth goal of the season broke a scoreless tie in the 23rd minute of play, as she nailed a straight-on shot from 20 yards out with Maggie Rodgers getting the assist.
King made it 2-0 from five yards out in the 36th minute, with former Buchholz standout Havana Solaun picking up the assist to make it 2-0.
UF, which outshot Vandy by a 17-3 margin, had several more chances to extend the lead in the second half but could not convert.
“I think the only thing that wasn’t efficient about that game in terms of our play was our finishing,” head coach Becky Burleigh said. “It was probably one of our most complete efforts in terms of limiting the other team’s offense and what we did offensively.
“I didn’t think Vandy had any good looks, and we certainly left a few out there. It was good play, good passing, good combinations — we were just unlucky not to finish better than we did.”
Florida’s defense, meanwhile, was stifling.
“It was something that we wanted to work on, especially having four goals scored on us (last match against Tennessee),” said Williamson. “We emphasized the shutout, and I’m so glad we were able to do that tonight.”
Next up, UF hosts Kentucky (9-2, 2-1), a 1-0 winner over South Carolina, Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tymrak’s team-leading ninth goal of the season broke a scoreless tie in the 23rd minute of play, as she nailed a straight-on shot from 20 yards out with Maggie Rodgers getting the assist.
King made it 2-0 from five yards out in the 36th minute, with former Buchholz standout Havana Solaun picking up the assist to make it 2-0.
UF, which outshot Vandy by a 17-3 margin, had several more chances to extend the lead in the second half but could not convert.
“I think the only thing that wasn’t efficient about that game in terms of our play was our finishing,” head coach Becky Burleigh said. “It was probably one of our most complete efforts in terms of limiting the other team’s offense and what we did offensively.
“I didn’t think Vandy had any good looks, and we certainly left a few out there. It was good play, good passing, good combinations — we were just unlucky not to finish better than we did.”
Florida’s defense, meanwhile, was stifling.
“It was something that we wanted to work on, especially having four goals scored on us (last match against Tennessee),” said Williamson. “We emphasized the shutout, and I’m so glad we were able to do that tonight.”
Next up, UF hosts Kentucky (9-2, 2-1), a 1-0 winner over South Carolina, Sunday at 2 p.m.
