Florida Soccer Defeats Miami 2-0; College Sports Are Back

To many, a soccer game in August isn’t about soccer. Instead, it’s about the return of college athletics. In the big picture, it’s about the return of football. When the Florida women’s soccer team defeated Miami 2-0 in their season opener, Gators’ fans were pleased, but most were happier knowing football was right around the corner. It’s a shame, but also the harsh reality for the smaller sports.

Because of the passion involved in following and being a fan of the big two – football and men’s basketball – we here at The Bull Gator may not be able to provide you with everything you want regarding the other sports, but this season we do hope to expand our coverage. I’m a huge soccer fan at any level and One Eyed Willy enjoys lacrosse more than anyone I know. We’ve also both expanded our efforts when it comes to following college baseball in recent years. Because of this, you’ll see more than you’ve seen on TBG in the past. That may not mean in depth game previews and player profiles, but it does mean game/match/meet recaps. Here’s the first…

On Friday night, the Florida women’s soccer team traveled to Miami where the Gators defeated the Hurricanes 2-0. The game was the season opener for both squads and the win allowed the no. 9 Gators to jump out to a 1-0 record.

Shots were plentiful for both teams as Florida led the way with 18 total and 11 on goal. Miami wasn’t far behind with 15 total and 8 on goal. Gator’s senior goalkeeper Brooke Chancey got the shutout with five saves, which was actually bested by Canes’ goalkeeper Vikki Alonso’s nine, although Alonso also let in two goals.

The Florida goals came from sophomore Taylor Travis in the 37th minute with assists from Jazmyne Avant and Erika Tymrak and freshman Havana Solaun in the 51th minute with another assist from Tymrak.

Florida head coach Becky Burleigh was able to get 19 players into the game and commented to GatorZone that she was pleased with the depth the team has this season. Burleigh believes this will be a great advantage for the Gators as the season goes on.

A little more about the players mentioned above…

Chancey is a senior goalkeeper from Jacksonville who saw limited action in 2010. After not appearing in any matches during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Chancey was on the field for 211 minutes in 2010 with four appearances and one start. She accumulated 11 saves and didn’t allow a single goal in that time. Chancey is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Sophomore forward Travis is from Raleigh, NC and was a spark as a freshman with the Gators. In 2010, she was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, made the All-SEC Second Team, and was named to Soccer America’s All-Freshman Second Team. Travis played in 24 games in 2010, starting 17. She finished the season with three goals (all game winners) and 11 assists.

Avant is a senior defender from Dallas, TX. She has plenty of experience and entered the 2011 season with 72 games played and 54 starts. Avant now has 10 career assists and after the season opener against Miami has surpassed the 4,500 minutes played mark.

Tymrak splits time between midfielder and forward. The junior from Lakewood Ranch has appeared in 48 career games with 44 starts. Coming into the 2011 season, she has 11 career goals and 20 career assists. In 2010, Tymrak was named to the All-SEC First Team.

From Gainesville, Solaun was appearing in her first game with the Gators. She attended Buchholz High School where she was named to the Gainesville Sun’s All-Area Girls Soccer First Team in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

The Gators continue their 2011 season on Sunday at 7:00pm against FIU in Miami. Florida last played FIU in 2009, a 3-0 Gators’ victory.