Florida Gators

The first goal for junior transfer Adriana Leon is golden as the No. 22 University of Florida soccer team (4-3-1, 1-1 SEC) claimed a 2-1 overtime win at Auburn (4-5-1, 0-2 SEC) Sunday afternoon in front of a AU Soccer Complex crowd of 831.

Leon, who joined the Gator team this fall after playing for Notre Dame the last two seasons, ended the match with just 32 second remaining in the first overtime. The play started after an exchange of glances between Leon and Erika Tymrak led to a quick free kick after Auburn committed a foul above their box.

“Erika and I made some eye contact. We knew the pass was on,” Leon said. “No one was around me so she played the ball quickly off the free kick. I just turned and saw the shot was open and I took it.”

Leon's 18-yard shot scored at the far post to finish Florida's come-from-behind effort. She is the first since Taylor Travis in the 2010 opener versus Miami to have their first Gator goal be golden.

The Gators found themselves behind early Sunday. AU's Tatiana Coleman, from deep in the Florida half, crossed the ball into the middle of the box. Mary Coffed one-touched the ball into the far post to score her third goal of the season.

A free kick goal in the 72nd minute tied the match at 1-all. The Gators were awarded the free kick about 30 yards above the Tiger goal. Jo Dragotta sent the ball into the six-yard box where it knocked around until fellow senior Holly King put it in.

“Jo gave a great ball into the box. I think I brought it down with my thigh past the defender,” King said. “It was right in front of the keeper so I just toe-poked it right under her at the near post.”

It was the second consecutive Sunday the two seniors synced up for a goal as the duo also combined on a free kick to provide Florida's final score in a 3-2 win over New Mexico. Sunday's goal was King's second of the season.

After Florida's 2-1 loss at Kentucky Friday, the coaching staff wanted the Gators to work on being composed when playing from behind.

“We have some fiery leaders on this team but sometimes that's not what we need. They are great when we need to keep our standards high and great when we need to motivate people but in these two games this weekend, we needed calm and we challenged our leaders to do that,” UF Head Coach Becky Burleigh said. “In terms in our ability to keep the ball and to create chances we did a much better job tonight. I think that was a direct response to Friday.”

Florida begins a four-match home stand Friday when No. 25 Tennessee comes to the James G. Pressly Stadium. Match time is set for 7 p.m. and it is Gator Soccer Alumni Weekend. The Lady Vols opened SEC play last weekend with a win and a tie, defeating Alabama 2-1 in overtime and tying Vanderbilt 1-1 2OT.

Live streaming video of Friday's match is available via GatorVision. The match can also be heard on ESPN 850, by simulcast on Cox Channel 946 (Gainesville/Ocala) or on www.GatorZone.com with Adam Schick and Matthew Stubbington calling the action.

Cautions: Annie Speese, UF (89:42) - yellow