Soccer - The Independent Florida Alligator

U.S. forward Abby Wambach (20) tries to head the ball in the goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Brazil in Orlando on Sunday.

Sports

Wambach continues to shine

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 13, 2013

ORLANDO — Abby Wambach continues to leave the rest of the world in the dust.

Erika Tymrak (23) scores a goal between Brazil midfielder Bia (15) and defender Calandrini (3) during a friendly soccer match in Orlando on Sunday. The U.S. Women's National Team beat Brazil 4-1.

Sports

Former Gator scores first goal for U.S. Women's National Team

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 12, 2013

ORLANDO — Erika Tymrak put her hands on her head and smiled in disbelief.

Florida junior midfielder Havana Solaun fakes out a Kentucky defender during the Gators' 3-0 win against the Wildcats on Oct. 18 2013 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators fall in SEC Tournament title game

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 10, 2013

Texas A&M was not ready to forget its 2-0 loss to Florida on Oct. 27.

Sports

Jordan, Solaun lift Florida over Ole Miss in SEC semis

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 8, 2013

Havana Solaun has a history of being a relentless goal scorer against Mississippi.

Jillian Graff dribbles the ball during Florida’s 3-0 victory against Auburn on Oct. 6 at James G. Pressly Stadium. The junior lost her father to lung cancer in 2012 but fights on in his memory.

Sports

Fight Like He Did: Graff pushes forward in memory of father

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 7, 2013

Before every game, Jillian Graff writes four letters on her wrist.

Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Oct. 27 at James G. Pressly Stadium. Jordan has 20 goals this season.

Sports

Florida preparing for tough Ole Miss team in SEC semifinals

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 7, 2013

The Gators are trying to bring back the potent offense and strong defense that led them to six consecutive shutouts during the regular season.

Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Texas A&M on Oct. 27 in Gainesville. Jordan scored the game-winning goal in Florida's 1-0 win against Arkansas on Wednesday.

Sports

Freshman forward powers Gators to SEC Tournament victory

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 6, 2013

Savannah Jordan made a bold move against Arkansas’ goalkeeper Cameron Carter.

Freshman forward Savannah Jordan passes the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Oct. 27 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators begin SEC Tournament play against Razorbacks

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 5, 2013

When Florida lost two straight games against Missouri and South Carolina early in conference play, its chances of winning a Southeastern Conference title looked grim.

Sports

Jordan honored following historic freshman season for Florida

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 4, 2013

Savannah Jordan has single-handedly rewritten Florida history.

The Florida soccer team celebrates after winning a share of the Southeastern Conference with its 5-1 win against Georgia on Thursday night in Athens, Ga.

Sports

Gators earn share of SEC title

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 31, 2013

What coach Becky Burleigh witnessed Thursday was exactly what she had been looking for all season.

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.

Sports

Goalkeeper prepared to face Bulldogs

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 30, 2013

In Taylor Burke’s past two seasons as the starting goalkeeper, she has not faced much of a challenge from Georgia strikers.

Christen Westphal battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Center back becoming playmaker

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 28, 2013

Christen Westphal pushes the envelope when it comes to her role on the field.

Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Texas A&M on Oct. 27 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Freshman tallies two goals to lead Florida to victory

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 27, 2013

Coach Becky Burleigh’s most potent force on Florida’s offensive attack continues to score goals.

Havana Solaun (19) fights for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Oklahoma State on Sept. 6 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Solaun drops two goals as Florida defeats Tennessee 3-0

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 26, 2013

Havana Solaun makes a statement out of finding the back of the net.

Freshman forward Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-0 victory against LSU on Oct. 20 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Freshman looking to help UF change losing trend

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 24, 2013

Savannah Jordan has never stepped foot on Tennessee’s turf.

Annie Speese dribbles the ball during Florida’s 3-0 victory against LSU on Sunday afternoon at James G. Pressly Stadium. The junior midfielder scored from a free kick during the 62nd minute — her first goal of the 2013 season.

Sports

Junior scores first goal of ‘13

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 22, 2013

Annie Speese’s first goal of the season was impressive.

Junior forward Taylor Travis (41) pushes the ball during Florida’s 4-0 win against Arkansas on Sept. 30, 2012, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Senior widening playing field for Florida offense

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 21, 2013

Taylor Travis epitomizes how the Gators want to play this season.

Savannah Jordan runs the ball down the field during Florida’s 3-0 win against LSU on Saturday at James G. Pressly Stadium. Jordan scored twice in the Gators’ victory against the Tigers.

Sports

Freshman forward secures Florida victory

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 20, 2013

When it came to taking down one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference, Savannah Jordan was ready.

Sports

Smith scores two goals in Gators’ rout of Wildcats

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 18, 2013

Lauren Smith was in perfect position for the Gators.

Florida soccer coach Becky Burleigh's mother, Nancy, is a breast cancer survivor. Burleigh's mom has also survived three other forms of the disease.

Sports

Breast cancer awareness marks Gators matchup with Wildcats

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 17, 2013

The Gators will see pink when they take the field at James G. Pressly Stadium tonight.