The Florida Gators came to this match after a tough 1-0 overtime loss at Stanford on Friday. The Gators knew they didn’t execute up to their potential and that would be a focus for the next match. And that next match would be a test, as Florida was at No. 15 UCLA Sunday. The Bruins, like the Gators, play aggressively on offense and multiple goals would undoubtedly be scored.

            For a big part of the match, long balls were crucial for both teams. In the first half, Julia Lester made a majestic pass to Savannah Jordan. Her header put the Gators up 1-0 in the third minute. The excitement did not last long, as Annie Alvarado tied the game three minutes later — also with a header assisted by Darian Jenkins.

            The visitors’ domination in the midfield through the entire first half was one of the keys. Five midfielders helping with the quick ball recovery and the fast pace in the offensive transitions by both wide midfielders. Melanie Monteagudo and Rachelle Smith made their first starts of the season, and they gave good defensive sense and depth in offense.

            On a free kick, Meggie Dougherty-Howard — who was crucial in the build-ups every time she went back to the defensive line to drive the ball — found Gabby Seiler whose header attempt was deflected off Sarah Troccoli into the net. That goal finished the first half scoring, as UF led 2-1.

            In the second half, the Bruins started to gain some momentum thanks to their fast ball driving through the interiors. The Bruins got a penalty early in the half., which was stopped by Kaylan Marckese.

But thanks to a great performance by the Canadian Olympic bronze medalist, Jessie Fleming, the Bruins were able to tie and then take the lead after she scored two goals — a header and a penalty. Five minutes later, Erika Nelson sent a beautiful long-through pass to Jordan. Once again, she hit the header to tie the match at 3-all.

            Ninety minutes were not enough, as the match went to overtime – the second extended match for the Gators of the weekend. In comparison to the one against Stanford, the Gators came out aggressively to push back the Bruins inside their box. A staggering dribbling run by Jordan through the right wing was the difference in overtime. After she beat the two defenders who tried to mark her, she decided to send a short pass that deflected off a Bruin defender. An own goal and a 4-3 victory for the Gators.

            Next up will be Tallahassee, where they will face their classic rivals: the Florida State Seminoles. That match is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.

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