UK soccer looking for fourth conference win against Florida

By Curtis Franklin

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The UK Women’s soccer team will try to build off its win against the Arkansas Razorbacks when the Cats travel to Gainesville to take on the No. 12 Florida Gators this Friday.

UK

Record: 9-2-1

Goals scored: 27

Goals allowed: 9

Player to watch: Kaitlin Miller

The junior midfielder has started every game this season and has two assists and a goal in her last four games, including a score in Sunday’s win over Arkansas. Playing all 90 minutes, Miller had her second goal of the season, as well as two shots on goal. She’ll look to build on her strong performance Sunday against Florida.

Preview

UK got its third SEC win on Sunday over Arkansas, moving the team to 3-1-0 in conference play and 9-2-1 on the season. The team posted its fourth best shots-on-goal percentage of the season against the Razorbacks at 42.9 percent, with 6-of-14 goals on target. The team should look to attack early and often against the Gators, who have allowed 16 goals through 11 games this season. UK needs to capitalize on all scoring opportunities Friday as the Gators posess one of the most potent offenses in the conference, averaging almost three goals per game.

Florida

Record: 8-3-0

Ranking: 12

Goals scored: 32

Goals allowed: 16

Player to watch: Sarah Troccoli

Troccoli has been an offensive sparkplug for the Gators this year, with four goals and two assists already on the season. The freshman midfielder hasn’t played over 60 minutes in a game yet this season, but she is highly efficient when on the field and has been able to show her talent even in limited minutes. She’s a player that the Cats will need to look out for around the goal.

Preview

The Gators’ high powered offense will be put to the test in this matchup, facing a UK defense that has only allowed nine goals in 12 games this season. Florida’s backline will also have to improve. Goalkeeper Valerie Tysinger and senior defenders Christen Westphal and Claire Falknor will need to step up to stop a Cats offense that’s coming off a hot performance. The Cats were  No. 16 in the preseason rankings, so Florida must not be fooled by the team’s current non-ranking.