The LSU-Florida soccer series has almost exclusively made the Tigers into Gator bait.
But LSU (5-4-4, 1-3-2 Southeastern Conference) toppled Florida (8-3-1, 5-1 SEC) last season for the first time ever, and now face the No. 16 Gators to begin a crucial weekend at home that could determine the Tigers’ 2012 fate.
The Gators enter the LSU Soccer Stadium on Friday with a five-game SEC winning streak that has them tied for second place in the league table.
“Florida was one of the favorites to win the SEC, and they’ve done nothing to diminish that status yet,” said LSU coach Brian Lee. “They might be the best team we’ve faced this season.”
Florida owns a 12-1-2 all-time record against the Tigers, but LSU eked out a 1-0 win in Gainesville, Fla., in 2011.
That road success was rare last season, but it’s been an odd reversal for LSU this season.
The Tigers are 2-0-1 on the road in 2012 after a win against Mississippi State and a 2-2 draw versus Georgia last weekend.
But home hasn’t been healthy to LSU, as the team compiled a 3-4-3 mark during a 10-game homestand last month. LSU won nearly 80 percent of its home games from 2007-11.
“We’re trying to dig ourselves out of a hole we made,” Lee said. “Last weekend was really good, and I’m pleased with the effort of our younger players.”
The Gators will fire at reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week in Tiger goalkeeper Megan Kinneman, who saved 23 shots on LSU’s recent road trip.
But Florida has a trio of potent midfield goal scorers in Havana Solaun, Holly King and McKenzie Barney. Each has netted four goals this season, and they’ve combined for six assists.
Their play is emblematic of Florida’s potent offense, which averages 2.2 goals per game and Lee called “a beautiful style of play.”
“They’re a short passing team, so they’ll build [possession] out of the back and will stick to their plan no matter how the run of play goes,” Lee said. “It’s enjoyable to play against and an attractive style to watch.”
The match is the annual “Pink Game” to promote breast cancer awareness. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
