After earning its first road win Sunday against Maryland, the Florida Gators soccer team returned to Donald R. Dizney stadium hoping to kick off another winning streak.
For the second time this season, Florida secured its second straight win following a loss.
The Gators (4-2) took down the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (2-2-1) 2-1 on Thursday night, tying their 2024 win total in 12 fewer games.
“This is a real sign of growth,” head coach Samantha Bohon said. “I think we need to learn from this game, but we’re happy.”
It was a defensive game early on, as good looks had to be earned by both sides.
Florida earned the first shot attempt of the game at minute 6, courtesy of redshirt sophomore forward Megan Hinnenkamp. Despite cheers from the fans who thought the ball went in, the attempt brushed the outside left of the net.
The Eagles had an opportune look shortly after at minute 11. Senior forward Kendal Gargiula got past the Florida defense and fired, but her shot was saved at the bottom left of the net by UF redshirt sophomore goalie Paloma Peña, who finished the night with one save.
The Gators had the first corner opportunity 26 minutes in, with freshman midfielder Sophia Sindelar finding Hinnenkamp, but her second shot of the game missed up top.
With both teams playing physical defense and fighting for possession, it appeared that the match would be scoreless heading into halftime.
However, Hinnenkamp and Sindelar were able to connect for a score right before the half..
At the minute 32, Hinnenkamp dribbled from the far left side of the field and found Sindelar right in front of the net, finishing with her right foot and giving the Gators a 1-0 lead.
“All the credit to Megan,” Sindelar said. “We kind of made a little eye contact, and she played me a perfect ball.”
FGCU earned its first corner kick with five minutes left in the first half, but the attempt was unsuccessful , as the Gators’ defense stood firm to maintain their advantage.
In the second half, it took the Eagles just two minutes to get their best look of the match. FGCU senior midfielder Erike Zschuppe dribbled past UF redshirt junior keeper Jayden Emmanuel and fired, but the shot hit the crossbar, and the ball landed right in front of the goal line.
Florida’s defense quickly cleared it, and after an official’s review, the goal was dismissed.
Both teams traded offensive opportunities until Florida capitalized in the 60th minute. Senior midfielder Charlotte McClure fired from way outside the box, launching the ball into the top right of the net to make it a two-goal match.
“Honestly, I didn’t really think, which sometimes is when I do my best,” McClure said. “I remember looking at it in slow motion going in.”
However, FGCU responded quickly. Less than a minute later, Eagles sophomore midfielder Kate Friday dribbled from beyond the box, shooting past Emmanuel to cut the Gators’ lead to 2-1.
Florida had two more opportunities in the fourth quarter. However, Hinnekamp’s attempt was saved by FGCU freshman goalkeeper Madara Matrevica, who finished with four saves.
Freshman forward Katie Johnston dribbled in front of the goal after getting past two Eagles defenders, but she fired over the net.
Meanwhile, the Gators’ defense held, not allowing a shot attempt for the rest of the match, securing their second straight win.
“You just have to take it one game at a time,” Bohon said. “That’s been our motto this year.”
The Gators close non-conference play at home Sunday at 7 p.m. against Georgia State (3-3).
Contact Adrian Carmona at acarmona@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @abcarmona04.
Adrian is a senior journalism major and the soccer reporter for Fall 2025. He enjoys playing Sporcle quizzes and ranting about South Florida sports.
