Florida Gators
Overall Rank: #5
#1 SEC
Florida Team Page
The Florida Gators saw the 2013 season come to a premature end with a shocking loss on the road to Duke in the NCAA Tournament. This was a very valuable learning tool for a young and talented Gators team that will be hungry for more success in 2014. The schedule is not easy but the talent is there for Florida to handle a difficult road heavy slate.
2013 Record: 18-5-1, 9-2-0
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Becky Burleigh
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Savannah Jordan, Sophomore, F, 22
Assists: Havana Solaun, Senior, M, 9
Shots: Savannah Jordan, Sophomore, F, 118
Saves: Taylor Burke, Senior, GK, 47
Other Key Returnees: F Jillian Graff, F Tessa Andujar, F/M Pamela Begic, M Annie Speese, M Lauren Smith, M Meggie Dougherty Howard, D/M Christen Westphal, D/M Claire Falknor, D/M Karina Gutsche, D Lauren Silver,
Key Losses: M Liz Slattery, M Caroline Triglia, M/D Maggie Rodgers, GK Nora Neset Gjoen
Strengths:
The overall depth in the offensive attack should make Florida very dangerous all season long. The Gators return 12 of their top 13 point producers from the 2013 season, led by sophomore forward Savannah Jordan. Also, the experience gained by this young and talented team last season will make Florida even more battle tested this fall. The backline was tremendous last season for the Gators as they only conceded 15 goals. Junior defender Christen Westphal is one of the top defenders in the nation and she returns to anchor things in the back this season. Taylor Burke returns in goal for the Gators and will provide some very critical leadership to stabilize the defense for Florida.
Weaknesses:
There are not a ton of weaknesses with this Gator side as on any given day they can beat anyone in the nation. The key is going to be staying healthy and continuing to grow as an overall unit chemistry wise. In addition, the ability to continue to grow as an attacking unit and create more dangerous scoring chances will help this Florida team greatly in postseason matches.
Final Projection:
Florida is going to be heavily tested during the 2014 season as virtually every tough match is on the road.
In the non-conference portion of the schedule, the Gators have to go Oklahoma State, Florida State on September 5th, and Stanford on September 12th. The SEC schedule will send Florida to Texas A&M on October 3rd, South Carolina on October 16th, and Kentucky on October 19th. If the Gators can go .500 or better through that six match gauntlet they will be in a great position for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 2.17 (26th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.609 (17, 2)
Shutout Percentage: 0.542 (22, 2)
Save Percentage: 0.805 (91, 2)
Madness 2015 NWSL Draft Rankings:
#31 Havana Solaun
#36 Annie Speese
See All College Sports Madness Top 44 Women's Soccer Previews
