Gators soccer earns win in season opener vs Western Carolina

The Florida soccer program opened its 30th season on Friday with a 2-0 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts — who were the 2023 Southern Conference champions — at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville.

The Gators struck in the first half on a goal by Madison Young assisted by Delaney Tauzel at 39:54 for the opening score of the 2024 campaign. The second goal came at 87:43 off the foot of Delaney Tellex on an assist from Njeri Butts and Lauren McCloskey.

Florida took 20 total shots (13 in the first half and seven in the second) against Western Carolina’s seven (two and five, respectively). The Catamounts saved seven shots while the Gators’ goalie made five.

The Orange and Blue are now 24-3-3 all-time in home openers and head coach Samantha Bohon is now 3-for-3 in home opening matches (2022: 2-1 win vs South Florida; 2023: 2-0 win vs East Carolina). Florida’s 20 shots are the most since recording 27 in 8-0 win versus Stetson on Aug. 27, 2023, while the Gators have scored at least one goal in 28 of its 30 season openers.

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