Zoe Main scored Florida’s tying goal on a free kick at 59:40 Thursday, helping the University of Florida soccer team finish with a 1-1 draw against Texas at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville. Texas took the lead in the 29th minute before Florida answered after halftime. The result came in Southeastern Conference play.
Ashlyn Anderson put Texas ahead at 29:31 with a penalty kick. Florida nearly responded before halftime, but Texas goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn saved Lael Hill’s shot with two seconds remaining in the half. Flynn stopped another Hill attempt in the 55th minute before Adia Symmonds sent a penalty kick high in the 59th minute.
Main scored less than a minute later on a free kick to tie the match. It was her fourth goal of the season. Florida outshot Texas 18-5 and held a 14-1 advantage after halftime.
Florida creates chances after halftime
Florida continued to pressure Texas throughout the second half. Flynn saved Iori Watanabe’s shot in the 82nd minute and stopped another attempt from Main in the 88th minute. Flynn finished with five saves, while Florida goalkeeper Jayden Emmanuel made two saves.
Main said she practiced free kicks on Florida’s day off Sunday and scored twice during training Wednesday.
“I haven’t really gotten many chances to shoot on a free kick,” Main said. “For some reason, I had a feeling I was going to, so I took, like, five reps in different areas of the field. I was just thinking, ‘Value the rep. Make sure it goes in.’ Then at practice yesterday, I scored twice on it, so I was like, ‘I’ve got to do it today.’”
Florida coach Nick Zimmerman praised the team’s performance and its ability to create opportunities against Texas.
“So proud. So proud of the group,” Zimmerman said. “The performance was excellent. We had plenty of chances. And right now, if that’s where we’re at two months into our process in terms of creating the chances, then we’re in a really good spot.”
Records remain even in SEC play
The draw moved Florida to 4-3-3 overall and 0-1-2 in SEC play. Texas moved to 5-2-3 overall and 0-1-2 in conference play. Florida leads the series 2-1-2.
Florida is scheduled to continue against a Lone Star State opponent Sunday at Texas A&M. The match is set for 3 p.m. ET at Ellis Field and is scheduled to stream on SEC Network+.
FSB Take
Florida’s 18-5 shot advantage, including a 14-1 edge after halftime, reflected the team’s sustained pressure after Texas scored first. Main’s free-kick goal secured the draw, and Florida will next play at Texas A&M on Sunday.
Source: Original report