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Friday, March 29, 2024

Game-winning goal gives Gators season-opening victory over Florida Atlantic

<p>UF midfielder Gabby Seiler dribbles down the field during Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.</p>

UF midfielder Gabby Seiler dribbles down the field during Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Knowing a golden goal ends the match, midfielder Gabby Seiler stepped up and scored on a penalty kick for Florida’s first goal of the season, securing the team’s first win Friday night in Boca Raton.

Despite missing two starters, the No. 7 Gators topped Florida Atlantic, 1-0, in a season-opening overtime thriller.

The Gators entered the season prepared for life without 2016 leaders Savannah Jordan and Meggie Dougherty Howard.

But they hadn’t prepared to play the first game of the year without forward Melanie Monteagudo, who scored in an exhibition win against Mississippi State, and starting goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese, out with a hand injury.

The first half saw no goals, but it showcased a staunch Gator attack featuring freshman Deanne Rose and junior Lais Araujo. Rose, who scored for Canada in the 2016 Olympics, constantly pestered the Owls defense in the penalty area. Araujo posed a strong presence on the wing and rattled at header of the bar just before halftime.

A quality contribution from Susi Espinoza in goal also helped the Gators assert dominance early. Meanwhile, FAU goalie Jennifer Ocampo, who had nine saves on the night, kept the game scoreless at the half.

Florida continued to flex its muscles in the second half, led early by substitute Sarah Troccoli in the midfield. Despite the Troccoli-led attack creating multiple chances, the FAU defense guided the match into overtime.

In the first overtime, FAU continued to fall victim to Florida’s pressure. Rose was able to break the Owls defense when she drew a late challenge from midfielder Ebba Blomqvist in 18-yard box, setting up the game-winning penalty kick for Seiler, a redshirt senior, in the 96th minute.

The Gators (1-0) will look get their second win Sunday when they take on Troy in Gainesville. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Contact Mark Stine at mstine@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter at @mstinejr.

UF midfielder Gabby Seiler dribbles down the field during Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

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