By Martha Glen Sease

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Women’s Soccer team lost 2-1 against the University of Florida Women’s soccer team in Gainesville, FL.

In a familiar pattern, the Crimson Tide opened up scoring early. Sophomore forward Sydney Vincens netted her first career UA goal in the fourth minute of gameplay. Vincens challenged a back pass to the Gators’ goalkeeper, nutmegged the keeper and sent the ball into the back of the net. This was the first goal the Crimson Tide has scored against the Gators since October 2012.

The Gators answered with a brief press up the field, but the Crimson Tide remained dominant throughout the first forty-five minutes and ended the first half up, 1-0.

The allowed 368 fans at Donald R. Dizney Stadium remained subdued during the first half. Whether that was due to rain or their team being down a goal is unclear; however, both the Gators and the Gators’ fans entered the second half with seemingly renewed energy.

The Gators took the field to start the second half with seven of their eleven players listed as either freshmen or sophomores, showing head coach Becky Burleigh’s confidence in her newly recruited class. In the 61st minute, Florida midfielder Madison Alexander netted the equalizing goal off a back-heel flick. The Gators netted the game winning goal in the 89th minute off of Alivia Gonzalez’s first collegiate goal.

There were notable players missing on both teams for this game. The Gators were missing Deanne Rose in their attack. The Crimson Tide was without Tanna Sanchez-Carreto after she received a red card in the first overtime period playing Mississippi State University in week 2. The Tide was also without the impactful junior center forward, Riley Mattingly. Mattingly was reported to have not traveled with the team. Three players from the Crimson Tide are currently quarantined, but names are not known.

The Crimson Tide is now 1-1-1 on the season, and the Gators are 1-0-1 following this game.

 

By the Numbers

  • The Crimson Tide had eight shots, with three on goal.
  • The Gators had 18 shots, with 12 on goal.
  • UA goalkeeper McKinley Crone made 10 saves and allowed two goals.
  • Freshman midfielder, Felicia Knox, lead the Tide with two shots (one on goal.)
  • Macy Clem, Brynn Martin, Taylor Morgan, Casey Wertz, Sydney Vincens and Gabby Duca all had one shot each.
  • The Crimson Tide had four corners, while the Gators had two.
  • The Crimson Tide was given 14 fouls throughout the game, and two players were awarded two yellow cards.
  • McKinley Crone (goalkeeper), Brynn Martin (defender), Bella Scaturro (defender) and Sasha Pickard (defender) played all 90 minutes of the match for the Crimson Tide.
  • As of Sunday, Oct. 4, the Crimson Tide sits third within the SEC West with four points.

 

The Crimson Tide returns to Tuscaloosa on Sunday, Oct. 11 to face current SEC West leaders – the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-0-0). This game will mark the halfway point of the eight-game shortened all-SEC season for the Tide.