Sept. 11, 2005

Box Score

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Amera Abdullah and Cherry Pickman scored goals early in each half as the No. 12 University of Florida defeated the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team, 2-0, Sunday afternoon in Gainesville. The Panthers (2-2-2) matched the Gators (4-1) early, but could not find the back of the net in the loss.

"Our players came out and executed the game plan effectively," associate head coach David Nikolic said. "The difference between us and a team like Florida is the little things they are able to do to win these games."

Florida got on the board in just the fourth minute, when Jessica Young tracked down a long ball into the corner and sent a cross into the box. Abdullah took the ball and found the back of the net, far post, for the eventual game-winner.

It was a back-and-forth match throughout the early goings of the match, as the Panthers went at the Gator defense early. The aggressive play paid off, as the Florida back line was forced into a number of errant passes and four early corner kicks. UWM generated a number of scoring opportunities. In the 13th minute, senior Katie Campion one-timed sophomore Amanda Winn's corner at an open goal, but a UF defender was there to clear it off the line.

"After allowing the first goal, we gained our composure and forced Florida to play how we wanted," Nikolic said. "We were then able to cause turnovers, attack and get behind them. In one sequence, there were three corners and we had a shot cleared off the goal line."

The first half was even on paper, as both teams took four shots in the frame. UF committed one more foul (4-3), while the Panthers held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks and 3-0 in offside calls.

Florida's second goal was nearly a mirror image of the first, coming in the 54th minute. This time, Melanie Booth crossed a long ball into the box, where Pickman deposited the ball near post.

As the game wore on, fatigue set in and the Gators were able to generate a number of chances, but Milwaukee managed to keep the offense at bay. For the match, UF ousthot UWM, 10-7, and committed five more fouls (12-7). Both teams forced five corners on the day and were called for offsides three times.

"After about the 70th minute, our backs were gassed, lost shape and Florida was able to take advantage of the outside spaces," Nikolic said. "For the game, though, our defensive players played well. Ginny Graczyk was fantastic in the back, Pam Shipway played really well of the bench in the midfield and Janice McGann was solid, as well."

Despite allowing two goals, freshman Erin Kane was poised in the Panther goal, making five saves on the day. Jen Gardner also stopped five shots for the home standing Gators.

The Panthers return to action at the Big Toe Invitational, Sept. 16-17, in Madison, Wis. UWM will play Colgate Friday 4:30 p.m. before taking in host Wisconsin Saturday at 7 p.m.