By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Ben Stansell)
Alabama is still searching for its first SEC win of the season after being shut out 3-0 by No. 6 ranked Florida on Sunday in Gainesville.
Staying true to character, Alabama came out of the gates firing against the Gators, earning two corner kicks and putting a shot on goal within the first ten minutes of action. Alabama’s early scoring attempts were thwarted by Florida’s keeper, who helped keep Alabama scoreless throughout the game by recording five saves.
Although Alabama was unable to capitalize on its scoring opportunities for the remainder of the first half, Coach West Hart went into halftime confident in his team’s ability to win the game due to Alabama’s dominant possession of the ball in the first stanza.
“I felt we played well in the first half. Going into the locker room, we were confident that we could win this game,” Hart stated. “We had more possessions, territory and chances, but UF came out in the second half with some energy and put us on our heels.”
Florida wasted no time finding pay-dirt in the second half, scoring two back-to-back goals within the first six minutes after play resumed. The Gators solidified their lead by scoring again in the 76th minute to go up 3-0. Alabama continued to create scoring opportunities in the second half, outshooting Florida, 10-9 overall, but a stout Gators defense kept Alabama from converting any of its chances. Florida’s also relied on offensive efficiency to beat Alabama, as the Gators turned all three of their shots on frame into goals.
After finishing non-conference play with an impressive 8-1 record, Alabama has been unable to secure its first SEC win of the season, losing a hard-fought game against No. 3 ranked South Carolina on the road and drawing 1-1 with LSU at home last Thursday.
Alabama next game will be another conference showdown against No. 21 Tennessee in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, September 28.
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
