Looking to take a step forward, Gators Soccer opens the 2024 campaign with a 2-0 win

The Florida Gators soccer 2024 season has arrived. After an onslaught of shot attempts by UF, the Gators were able to bag 2-0 victory over Western Carolina on opening night.

WCU came into this match with not much turnover from their historic season last year. The Catamounts won the SoCon (Southern Conference) regular and tournament titles. WCU made it to the NCAA College Cup playoffs before losing to Alabama in the round of 32. Reigning SoCon player of the year forward Isabella DeMarco and goalkeeper Leanne Trudel head up the Catamount core group of returning players.

This is the third season for the Gators under head coach Samantha Bohon. Each season has seen improvement under Bohon as the Gators hope to climb back into the program that once dominated the SEC and a good portion of the NCAA. The Gators roster five players who have been placed on the SEC's watch list: Lena Bailey, Josie Curtis, Alexa Goldberg, Delaney Tauzel, and Daviana Vaka.

Saturday's match a Dizney Stadium was played in front of a ruckus 1,113 crowd. This is the highest ever opening match attendance and seventh highest all time for UF.

The match opened up with Florida in full control of possession but were unable to capatize when it came to the final third. In the 18th minute, Vera Blom recieved a throw in and after a lovely chip over her defender, she was off to the races. Blom crossed a perfect ball into the box ahead of Delaney Tellex but the WCU goalkeeper Trudel was there to pounce on the ball.

The breakthrough for UF came in the 40th minute of the match. A corner attempt by Tauzel found left back Madison Young near the six yard box. Young's header directed the ball downward and past a diving Trudel to give the Gators the opening goal of the match.

"One of the big things that we have been working on lately is forming that connection with players that are kicking the ball to you. So, taking extra time after practice to specifically with Delaney to see where her corners will go. I think it just connected on that part. "

- Madison Young on the opening goal

Florida would hold on to its 1-0 advantage as they went into the halftime break.

As play resumed in the second half, WCU had what appeared to be its best opportunity of the match to score. Isabella DeMarco was able to make a run up the left channel and past the Gator's defense. DeMarco kept her angle against the UF goalkeeper Paloma Peña and fired a shot at the far post. Peña made the diving save. The deflection fell to the feet of Vaka, who had a WCU attacker on her back. Vaka's off-balanced clearance fell to DeMarco, who ripped a right-footed shot off the crossbar. Vaka made an important intervention to prevent a point-blank rebound shot. It was a chaotic series for the Florida defense, but they came out unscathed.

Later in the match, the Gators able to secure a penalty kick opportunity. UF midfielder Lauren Donovan was tugged from behind in the penalty area and the match official indicated a PK should be awarded. Donovan stepped to the spot and selected to go to the keeper's right. But Trudel continued her impressive performance on the match with a huge PK save to keep the match within reach. Trudel had seven total saves on the night.

As the minutes wound down on the match it appeared that the score would remain 1-0 to the final whistle. Fresh substitute Njeri Butts would soon change that. In the 88th minute, Butts received the ball from a throw in near the far touchline. Butts split two defenders and charged past them to enter the WCU box. Butts looked up and found Tellex who had held her run. The pass was perfect and Tellex slotted the ball inside the near post.

Delaney Tellex spoke to media after the match and shared an important significance her second career goal had.

"This one feels more special. I had a family member pass away this morning. So this definitely is a bit of a special one more me and my family. "

- Delaney Tellex on her goal.

The final whistle sounded, and the Gators kicked off their 2024 campaign with a shutout victory. The orange and blue with return to the pitch Thursday August 22nd in Jacksonville as they take on the North Florida Ospreys.