NORMAN, Okla. – Both teams came into Thursday’s match looking for its first Southeastern Conference win and No. 24 Oklahoma took the match with a 2-1 decision over Florida soccer in front of 1,957 at the John Crain Field.
 
Both of Florida’s SEC losses in the start of league action are by a single goal. Florida opened SEC action with a 3-2 loss to then No. 9 Arkansas and 2-1 tonight at No. 24 Oklahoma.
 
This Evening’s Scoring:
After scoreless opening half, the Sooners struck early when action resumed. Oklahoma’s Alexis Washington’s angled ball found Juliette Rayo making a run through the box. Rayo’s sliding left-footed shot from 10 yards scored just 22 seconds into the half.
 
The second goal of the season for Florida’s Skye Barnes tied the score in the 64^th minute. The scoring play started when Kai Tsakiris‘ free kick from about 12 yards above the box was headed down by Abby Gemma. From just inside the top of the box, Barnes won the ball, moved around a defender to hit a composed right-footed shot to the far post upper slot.
 
The Sooners regained the lead in the 80^th minute when Riley Brown sent a ball to the far upper corner of the box. Kayla Keefer headed it down to for Lexi Dendis to hit in stride to the far post. The goal stood after a video review for a potential offsides.
 
Coach Bohon Said:
“I love our players. This was a night where we didn’t perform the way we wanted to but I still believe in them. I know we can have success in this league. We are too committed and talented to have our belief waiver. Time to get back at it and figure out how to get a result Sunday at home.” – Florida Head Coach Samantha Bohon
 
Records:
Florida: 4-5, 0-2 SEC
Oklahoma: 8-1-1, 1-1 SEC
 
Series Record:
Oklahoma leads 3-1
 
Next Up:
The Gators return home to continue play versus top-25 teams Sunday versus No. 15 South Carolina. The Gamecocks have met one ranked team this season, defeating then No. 25 Ohio State 1-0 in Columbia, S.C. The Gamecocks opened league play with a 2-1 win at Alabama and shutout Mississippi 4-0 on Thursday in Columbia, S.C.
 
vs No. 15 South Carolina
Date: Sunday, Sept. 21
Time/Site: 4 p.m. ET at Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Stream: SEC Network + with Matthew Stubbington and Ryan Urquhart calling the action
Radio: ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM / 850 AM with Sky LeBron and Nevada Cullen calling the action
Live Stats
Admission: Free
Promotions: Sunday Funday: Get a balloon animal and let the young Florida fans play in the kids zone. A soccer ball signed by Coach Samantha Bohon goes home with a lucky fan!
 
Florida (4-5, 0-2 SEC) at No. 24 Oklahoma (8-1-1, 1-1 SEC)
Stadium: John Crain Field (1,957)
Weather: 82 degrees, mostly cloudy, winds NNE at 8 mph
 

 
Scoring Summary:

 
Shots: UF 6; OU 14
Saves: Florida 4 (Jayden Emmanuel 4); OU 1 (Caroline Duffy 1)
 
Offsides: UF 2; OU 1
 
Cautions: Michelle Pak-OU (yellow) 29:40; Kai Tsakiris-UF (yellow) 29:40; Lena Bailey-UF (yellow) 89:35; UF bench 90:00