Huskers Fall Short Against No. 22 Gators

Lincoln-The Nebraska women’s soccer team suffered a 6-1 loss to No. 22 Florida, its first ranked opponent of the season, in Gainesville, Fla., on Sunday. The Huskers, who made the quick trip after hosting UC Riverside last Friday, fall to 0-3 while the Gators move to 2-1-1.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Florida came out energized, getting on the board in the 17th minute, courtesy of Angela Napolitano. The Huskers responded with a goal of their own in the 24th minute, though. Freshman forward Molly Thomas, making her second career start, collected a blocked Michaella Fulmer shot and found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. The assist gives Fulmer five points on the season, as she leads the Huskers in that category. Thomas earns her first career goal for the Huskers and now has three points in three appearances.

 

The Gators quickly retook the lead with a goal in the 26th minute by forward Megan Kerns, who added another score in the 40th minute to give UF a 3-1 halftime lead. Napolitano notched a second goal in the second half, while Lindsay Thompson and Tahnai Annis also scored.

 

Fulmer had three total shots for the Huskers and Thomas, Lindsay Poehling and Colleen Goetzmann all recorded a shot on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Mills made four saves for NU.

 

Florida collected 14 shots to Nebraska’s 10 and earned a 6-2 edge in corner kicks.

 

The Huskers continue their early-season road schedule with a game next Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Saint Louis. Including the match against the Billikins, Nebraska has played three of its first four games on the road.