Noles Down Gators 3-2
Sophomore transfer Katya Gokhman tallies a goal and an assist in the win.

3/22/10

By: Kimmy Diaz, Sports Information Student Assistant

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The FSU Women’s Soccer team traveled down to Melbourne, Fla., Saturday, March 20 to continue their spring schedule in a match against in-state rival Florida. The Garnet and Gold came out on top with a 3-2 victory. The game was played as part of a four team showcase to support ovarian cancer research.

It was a well fought game between the two sides, and with a pair of first half goals and a late goal in the second, the Seminoles were able to walk away with a one-goal victory.

FSU was first to strike on Saturday as the Noles got a goal from last season’s leading scorer Jessica Price. Newcomer Katya Gokhman got the ball on the right side of the field and was able to get a good service into the box where Price got up above the crowd to head the ball in over the UF keeper.

Shortly after, Florida responded to tie the game at one. After winning the ball in the midfield, the Gators were able to get into the box and finish with a shot to the low corner.

Both teams had their chances to take the lead, but it was FSU who broke the tie with 10 minutes left in the first half. Gokhman got the ball on the right side and played a ball into the box that hit the far upper corner of the post then ricocheted into the side netting to put the Noles back on top. The half would end with FSU in front 2-1.

In the second half, both teams battled back and forth with attacking chances and 15 minutes in UF was able to tie the score once again. The Gators got a free kick five yards inside FSU’s half. The ball was played into the box where a UF attacker was able to get through and with a diving header put the ball into the near corner to tie the game.

FSU continued to fight back with several dangerous attacking opportunities. The Garnet and Gold was finally able to break the tie when junior Amanda DaCosta was taken down inside the box. DaCosta received the ball just outside the 18-yard marker, turned to make a run into the box and was taken down just as she was about to play the ball. The play resulted in a penalty kick opportunity and sophomore Tori Huster stepped up to take the kick. The UF keeper stopped the initial shot but Huster followed the rebound and put the ball away to give the Seminoles the lead for good at 3-2.

The Seminoles will be back in action again in their last spring game, as they take on the Atlanta Beat of the WPS on Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. The game will take place at the Seminole Soccer Complex as admission to the event is free. Fans can also look forward to seeing the return of former Seminole Mami Yamaguchi, the 2007 National Player of the Year, as she will be suiting up with the Atlanta Beat.