After enduring its first two-loss weekend of the year, Florida righted the ship and once again proved that it is one of the nation’s best soccer teams.
The eighth-ranked Gators defeated Tennessee and LSU last weekend in dominating fashion, getting back to their winning ways and their conference prominence.
After dropping two games in a row on Oct. 16 and Oct. 19 to South Carolina and Kentucky, it was important for Florida to regain its composure heading toward the end of the regular season and into the Southeastern Conference tournament next week.
"I think it was going to be really critical how we responded after that past weekend," coach Becky Burleigh said. "I like the way our team responded, particularly on Friday night. … We hadn’t dominated like that in quite some time, so it was good to see."
Florida out shot Tennessee 27-9 on Friday and beat the Volunteers 3-1 on the Gators’ senior night.
Florida then traveled to Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday and shut out LSU 3-0, outshooting the Tigers 17-7.
With their strong performance over the weekend, the Gators are now just one point behind Texas A&M in the SEC standings with only one regular season game remaining.
Florida hosts Vanderbilt on Thursday.
"We can only control our part of the equation, which is we need to come out with three points," Burleigh said. "For us, it’s not even just getting the result, it’s about what are we doing as far as progressing as we head into the SEC tournament and the NCAA tournament."
A big key for the Gators approaching postseason play will be the production of sophomore forward Savannah Jordan.
Jordan was recognized on Monday as the SEC Offensive Player of the Week — the third time she has received the honor this season.
Jordan scored three goals in Florida’s two wins over the weekend. She now leads the SEC with 14 on the year.
Jordan was also nationally recognized as the Capital One Cup Impact Performer of the Week with her two-goal performance in Florida’s victory against Tennessee.
It was Jordan’s third multi-goal game of the year and tenth of her career.
Florida will need Jordan to keep playing at a high level as it closes in on the postseason.
With just one regular season game left, the Gators are preparing for their ultimate goal, but they are making sure to cherish every last day of this season.
"I don’t want this season to go by fast, it’s already gone by too fast for me," Burleigh said. "I’m really enjoying working with this group of women, and I think we want to just take these things one at a time. … We’re gonna savor the moment."
Follow Alex Maminakis on Twitter @AlexMaminakis
Savannah Jordan chases after the ball during Florida's 3-1 win against Tennessee on Friday.
