GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Auburn got out to an early lead but ultimately suffered a 2-1 loss at No. 24 Florida Friday night at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
The Tigers (6-7-2, 3-4-0 SEC) took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Angeline Daly in the 16th minute. However, Florida (10-5-0, 6-1-0 SEC) was able to tie it before half and scored coming out of intermission en route to the win.
"Overall, that was just a great soccer game" head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Florida has a terrific team and they play really quality soccer, but I thought we played right with them. I thought that game could've gone either way, and it was shame anybody had to lose that game."
Jessie Gerow nearly got the scoring started in the sixth minute as she received a through ball from Daly inside the box, but her shot was deflected out of play by the Florida goalkeeper.
Ten minutes later, Daly put the Tigers on top as she hit a right-footed strike from outside the 18-yard box, passed the leaping goalkeeper and into the back of the net. It marked Daly's first goal of the season.
With rain falling and creating tough playing conditions, Kate Hart made a trio of saves in the first half. However, Florida tied it up on a combination play in the 37th minute and the score remained tied going into halftime.
The Gators came out of the intermission and took the advantage on a flick from inside the box in the 48th minute.
Daly nearly netted the equalizer in the late stages as she weaved through a trio of Florida defenders inside the box and fired with the left foot. However, the shot was popped in the air and corralled by the Florida goalkeeper.
Hart came up with seven saves in the contest, marking her second-highest total of the season. The graduate transfer made four saves after Florida's second goal to keep the Auburn deficit at one and within striking distance.
"Kate did a great job and keeps getting better every weekend," Hoppa added. "I'm excited for her down the stretch here because I think she'll continue to get better and better."
The Tigers fired off seven shots, including five on frame.
Seventeen players saw action in the contest, including five who played all 90 minutes.
The Tigers return to Auburn to host No. 8 Arkansas (11-2-1, 5-1-0 SEC) Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT.