Florida Gators shut out No. 15 South Carolina at home

Story by Megan Brown

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators soccer team held No. 15 South Carolina scoreless on Sunday to snap a three-game losing streak. The game, which was played in front of 845 fans at Donald R. Dizney Stadium, resulted in a 0-0 tie thanks to Paloma Peña’s performance as goalkeeper.

The Gators had only four shots in the game — compared to South Carolina’s 12 attempts — and three more total fouls. Peña posted her first collegiate shutout and a career-high six saves. As she neared the stands, shouts of MVP rained upon her.

“A tie is a point, and I am just really proud of the team,” Peña said after the game.

The Gamecocks opened the game with three unanswered shots before Florida’s first attempt by Kai Tsakiris that was just to the left of the goal. On the ensuing play, USC had a two-on-one against Peña and Megan Hinnekamp to attempt another shot on goal that Hinnekamp blocked with her body. Peña made two more blocks in the first half.

After the Gamecocks committed their first foul of the game, Florida took the momentum switch to get close to the goal and allow Charlotte McClure to attempt a shot that was just over the goalpost. Madison Jones took UF’s third shot before South Carolina got its ninth and last attempt of the half.

Shortly after the second period started, South Carolina’s Cuyler Zulauf went down with an injury before popping back up and shaking it off. USC’s Katie Shea then went one-on-one against Peña to attempt a shot but was blocked. Then things got sloppy between the two teams.

The Gamecocks’ Anna Young committed back-to-back fouls, but UF’s Njeri Butts, Addy Hess and Kai Tsakiris followed with three of their own. These five fouls were all committed in under three minutes and doubled the totals each team had. Just under four minutes after that string of fouls occurred, South Carolina’s Gracie Falla received a yellow card for her foul against Kai Tsakiris and had to sit out a play.

Peña stopped another ball from the corner, allowing the Gators to drive down and get another shot on goal. Katie Shea Collins tried another shot for South Carolina, but Peña blocked it. Collins then led a drive and passed it to Reagan Shubach, who narrowly missed the goal with two minutes left.

The Gators and Gamecocks end the game 0-0. The Gators had only four shots on goal compared to the Gamecocks’ 12, and had three more fouls total. This was Paloma Peña’s first collegiate shutout, and as she neared the stands, shouts of MVP rained upon her.

Gators head coach Samantha Bohon stated that their decision to play a more defense-oriented lineup was a last-minute thing.

“We literally introduced this yesterday at practice, went over in pre-game meal today. For them to step in and execute at this level under the pressure that South Carolina can put you in with their two attacking players – I’m just really proud of their effort.” Bohon said.

The Gators go on the road Friday and play divisional rival Georgia, where they will be seeking their first SEC win of the season.