KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 20 University of Florida soccer team couldn't find the equalizer in the final 39 minutes, as
Tennessee claimed a 1-0 win Thursday evening at Regal Soccer Stadium.
 
The Gators played the final nine minutes a man down after junior Kit Loferski received her second yellow card. Despite being a man down, the Gators did generate two shots in those closing minutes, including a header by Parker Roberts in the 81^st minute and a shot by Carina Baltrip-Reyes that was saved in the 84^th minute.
 
SEC Race:
With a 5-0 win tonight at Auburn, Arkansas takes sole possession of first in the current regular-season league race. South Carolina moves to second and Florida is now third after Thursday's action in the Southeastern Conference standings.
 
Two matches remain on the SEC regular-season schedule for all 14 teams.
 
Thursday's scoring:
The Lady Vols scored in the 51^st minute when the MA Vignola won the ball on a defensive turnover. She brought the ball toward goal and then sent a square ball to Katie Cousins located in the middle of the box. Cousins one-touched the ball in to the far post from eight yards.
 
The Gators had several chances Thursday, as they outshot UT 14-7. Florida's best opportunity of the opening half came in the 32^nd minute when Kouri Peace just was a fraction away from putting Loferski's cross away at the far post. Deanne Rose's chip in the 64^th minute needed a leaping save by UT goalkeeper Lindsey Romig.
 
This is the first time since the 2002 and 2003 seasons that Tennessee wins two consecutive matches versus Florida. The Lady Vols won 2-0 last season when the two teams met in Gainesville.
 
Records:
Florida: 10-6-0, 6-2-0 SEC
Tennessee: 9-5-2, 3-4-1 SEC
 
What the Gators Said:
On tonight's match:
"Credit Tennessee's defense for keeping us off the scoreboard. I thought we created plenty of chances. Tennessee took advantage of a moment they had and we were unable to take advantage of ours.
 
"It was a hard-fought match and that led to our red-card situation. Kit [Loferski] doesn't feel that is an accurate portrayal of who she is as a player and a person. She's apologized to both the officials and the team.
 
"The key is how we respond and what we take from this match. It was a really great effort by us – I have no complaints about our effort. Execution at times around the box could have been a little better, but I certainly can't fault our effort." - Florida Head Coach Becky Burleigh
 
Next Up:
The Gators return home to play host No. 8 South Carolina for Gator Senior Day.
 
Sunday, Oct. 27 versus No. 8 South Carolina (12-1-2, 6-0-2 SEC)
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Site: Donald R. Dizney Stadium
Television: SEC Network
Stream Video: SEC Network +
Radio: GatorVision with action with action called by Kyle Crooks and Matthew Stubbington
Live Stats
Admission: Free
Promotions: Senior Day – Gator seniors – Sammie Betters, Alyssa Howell, Vanessa Kara, Julia Lester, Haillie Lower, Tess Sapone and Alex Stubblebine - recognized in a pre-game ceremony; Free T-Shirt – first 250 fans in attendance receive a specialty performance t-shirt; Halloween game– Fans are encouraged to cheer on the Gators while wearing their best Halloween costumes. Following the game, members of the team will pass out candy to kids 12 and under; Post-game Autographs - Members of the team will be signing autographs following the match outside of the team facility located on the south side of the stadium concourse.
 
No. 20 Florida (10-6-0, 6-2-0 SEC) at Tennessee (9-5-2, 3-4-1 SEC)
Stadium: Regal Soccer Stadium (1236)
Weather: 63 degrees, winds NNE at 3 mph, 40% humidity
 

Goals by Period	1	2	Total
Florida	0	0	0
Tennessee	0	1	1

 
Scoring Summary:

No.	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist
1.	50:53	UT	Katie Cousins	MA Vignola

 
Shots: Florida 14 Tennessee 7
Saves: Florida 2 (Susi Espinoza 2), Tennessee 7 (Lindsey Romig 7)
 
Cautions:
Kit Loferski – UF (55:03)/yellow; Loferski-UF (80:57)-red