North Florida Women’s Soccer junior forward Taylor Tamares earned her first ASUN Player of the Week honor Monday, Sept. 28, after contributing to goals in a draw against Bellarmine and a victory over Lipscomb. The recognition came from the ASUN Conference following North Florida’s two conference matches. Tamares is the second North Florida player to receive the award this season.
Paige McSwigan earned ASUN Player of the Week recognition on Sept. 8. Tamares helped North Florida open conference play with a 1-1 draw against Bellarmine on Sept. 24. She then assisted on the game-winning goal in North Florida’s 1-0 victory over Lipscomb on Sept. 27.
Tamares contributes in two ASUN matches
Tamares scored in the 85th minute against Bellarmine, helping North Florida earn a draw in its ASUN opener. The goal marked her second consecutive match with a goal and her second collegiate goal. It also gave her a direct scoring contribution in consecutive matches.
Against Lipscomb, Tamares assisted on the game-winning goal in the 49th minute. North Florida defeated the reigning ASUN champion 1-0 to earn its first ASUN Conference victory of the season. The result improved North Florida to 4-2-4 overall and 1-0-1 in ASUN Conference play.
Falconer highlights Tamares’ impact
North Florida Head Coach Eric Falconer said Tamares’ recognition reflects her work in a role that can be difficult to notice. Tamares is a junior forward who primarily plays in a holding midfield position. She contributed to both of North Florida’s goals during the week.
“Really happy to see Taylor [Tamares] receive this recognition from the ASUN,” Head Coach Eric Falconer said. “It’s sometimes hard for players that play primarily in a holding midfield position to get noticed for their play. It’s a credit to Taylor for all the work she puts in and how hard she plays each game. She had a hand in both our goals this week, and she is really playing at a very high level this season.”
North Florida begins four-match road stretch
North Florida is scheduled to begin four consecutive road matches Thursday, Oct. 1, against West Florida. The match is set for 7 p.m. ET at UWF Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Florida. It will be North Florida’s next scheduled match after the wins and draw that produced Tamares’ award recognition.
FSB Take
Tamares directly influenced both of North Florida’s goals during the two-match stretch. She scored in the 85th minute against Bellarmine and assisted on the 49th-minute game-winning goal against Lipscomb. Her first ASUN Player of the Week honor also gives North Florida its second recipient of the award this season.
Source: Original report