In Taylor Burke’s past two seasons as the starting goalkeeper, she has not faced much of a challenge from Georgia strikers.
In 2012, Burke spent about 79 minutes in Florida’s goal and saw zero action.
The Bulldogs failed to take any shots until then-freshman Valerie Tysinger subbed in for Burke with 10 minutes left on the clock.
In 2011, Florida faced Georgia twice: once in the regular season and in the first round of the 2011 Southeastern Conference Tournament.
Between both games, Georgia had only seven shots on goal and finished none. Both games ended with a Florida shutout victory.
Nearing the end of her third regular season as a Gator, Burke has gotten even better as the last line of defense.
When No. 6 Florida (14-3-1, 8-2 SEC) takes on Georgia (12-5-1, 5-4-1 SEC) in Athens, Ga., tonight at 6:30, the Gators can put trust in Burke and the back line to close out the regular season on a high note.
“She’s gotten a lot better with her communication,” coach Becky Burleigh said.
“Her strengths have always been her kicking game; she’s very good with her feet. I think she continues to develop as a player for us.
“We expect a lot of our goalkeepers too because they basically see the whole field, and she’s really embraced that.”
The Gators head on the road with six straight shutouts against SEC opponents, giving Burke seven solo shutouts this season and 22 solo shutouts in her career.
“It’s given us a lot of confidence,” Burke said of the team’s shutout streak.
“Our defense has been playing really well, especially being involved in the offense as well.”
Despite Georgia’s dim conference record, Burke said the Bulldogs are a strong team to go up against.
The Bulldogs are 7-3 when playing at home, and they pulled off two consecutive road wins last weekend: a 2-1 victory against LSU and a 1-0 win against Arkansas.
Florida leads the all-time series with Georgia 24-2-1, with the Gators’ only two losses coming on the road.
Burleigh said the Georgia matchup will be a game that puts emphasis on maintaining possession.
“They play similarly to us in that they try to keep it a little bit,” Burleigh said. “Their attack is pretty dangerous.”
Florida is tied for the top spot in the league with Texas A&M, while Georgia is tied for sixth with LSU.
The Gators are looking to claim their second consecutive SEC regular season title, needing a win tonight to at least get a share of the it. Florida has won the regular season crown in six of the past seven seasons.
“This big step is left,” Burleigh said.
“We can’t overlook anything. Georgia is a very good team. They are much improved and not only are they much improved, but I just think they’re playing with some confidence right now as well.
“It’s not an easy road for us to get there.”
Two Gators honored: Florida center backs Karina Gutsche and Christen Westphal were named to Top Drawer Soccer’s National Team of the Week after the Gators notched two shutouts against Tennessee and Texas A&M during the weekend.
The duo has started every match this season and leads the team in average minutes per match. Westphal averages 89.2 minutes and Gutsche clocks in with 87.7.
“It feels great,” Gutsche said.
“I think we’ve been working really hard together, and I think it’s paying off that we get that recognition.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Taylor Burke kicks the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Sunday at James G. Pressly Stadium. Burke has not allowed a goal in three games against the Bulldogs.
