Nebraska Battles Gators in Exhibition

Lincoln ? The Husker soccer team began the 2009 spring schedule with a 3-1 loss and 1-1 tie against Florida at the James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday. South Florida was unable to make its originally-scheduled contest with Nebraska because of a conflict.

 

Junior Brittney Lanier notched a quick goal to put NU up early in the first contest, but the Gators answered with three scores of their own to take the 3-1 victory. Lanier, who could be a key figure in replacing three graduated midfielders, found the back of the net in the fourth minute. Junior Jessica Mills played in net, as the Huskers will also have a new starting goalkeeper next fall with the graduation of Brittany Pfeil.

 

Freshman forward Molly Thomas scored in the second game to give Nebraska another early lead, but Florida once again battled back with a first-half goal of its own to tie the game at one. Neither team could score in the second half. Thomas, whose five goals last fall were second on the team, found the back of the net in the 13th minute. Junior transfer Tara Macdonald made the start for NU in goal.

 

Nebraska continues its spring schedule at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., on March 7. The Huskers face Southern Utah at noon CT and the host Sun Devils at 3 p.m. CT. NU will square off against a third team later in the day.