Long shadows cast over Cox Stadium as the Gators came out with a 1-1 draw against the Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles in an intense double overtime match.
The Gators scored in the 17th minute of the first half when Golden Eagle junior Alexandra Barrett-Scherrer headed the ball in over Gator senior goalkeeper Annicia Jones. The Gators came back in the second half after junior forward Michelle Kay slipped in the goal between the legs of Golden Eagle goalkeeper Gabriella Batmani.
“To be honest, I saw (the goalie) coming out, so I knew I could just slip in behind her,” Kay said. “But she did something weird, so it just happened!”
Assistant coach Robin Bowman said Kay made a nice goal that brought the team back in the game, but it wasn’t enough to win.
“We should’ve won it,” Bowman said. “We had numerous chances in both overtimes to win this game. It’s unfortunate we didn’t.”
Although the Gators ended the game with less shots on goal than the Golden Eagles, the Gators had more attempts by one or two shots during both overtime periods.
Jones played a huge role in preventing the Golden Eagles from scoring by garnering 14 close saves.
“I know these are my last two games, so I really want a good result from them,” Jones said. “I don’t want to leave this field with a bad taste in my mouth.”
Bowman anticipates another tough game this Sunday as the Gators host their last home game of the season against Cal State Dominguez Hills.
“(Sunday’s game is) gonna be a battle and it’s the seniors’ last game, so I know that the players will be playing for the two of them,” Bowman said.
The match against Dominguez Hills will be the last game for seniors Nicole Vanni and Jones.
Kay said she is ready to get revenge after they lost to the Toros 2-1 in their away game against them earlier this month.
“I mean, the refs weren’t with us (during our first game against Dominguez Hills), but we just played so well together. We really were a new team,” Kay said. “I wanna be out there and just be like ‘Dominguez Hills, you did not deserve to win that game.’ This is our turn to win it and also to win it for our seniors.”
The Gators will face off with the Toros at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28. Senior athletes from both teams will also be recognized.
