Hoosiers split two games on Florida road trip

After falling to No.13 Florida 1-0 in its season opener last Friday, the IU women’s soccer team bounced back with a 4-3 double-overtime victory against Jacksonville Sunday.\nDespite putting numerous shots on goal, the Hoosiers found themselves down 3-2 late in the second half. Then in the 81st minute, sophomore midfielder Christie Kotynski crossed a pass to teammate Kelly Lawrence, who headed a shot past Jacksonville’s keeper to tie the game.\nThe goal not only tied the game, but reminded Kotynski of a similar goal last season. \n“It was kind of funny, it was like a goal last year, only Kelly was sending the ball to me,” Kotynski said. “I cut back, put it to my left foot and crossed it, and she was wide open on the back post and did a perfect header right in. It was amazing.”\nThe score remained tied through the end of regulation and the first overtime. In the 102nd minute of the contest, Kotynski sent in the game-ending goal off of a pass from senior forward Suzie Teixeira. \n“She did a little fake and sent it right to me,” Kotynski said. “I placed it in the bottom right corner with my left (foot).”\nTwo other Hoosiers tallied goals in the contest. Sophomore midfielder Natalie O’Bryan scored in the third minute of play and freshman midfielder Chloe McKay connected in the 28th.\nThe double-overtime win was even more significant considering the team was able to overcome the fatigue from a close battle with Florida two nights before.\nThe Hoosiers were able to put 35 shots on goal against Jacksonville, but were only able to muster four against Florida, none of which hit the back of the net.\nDespite losing to the Gators, IU coach Mick Lyon was happy with how his players performed. \n“We never want the players to be happy in losing, but certainly I thought we played very well and gave Florida everything they could handle,” Lyon said. “We missed a couple of chances towards the end of the game that not only could have tied it, but actually won the game.”\nAnother positive from the weekend for the squad was the play of freshman goalkeeper Lauren Hollandsworth. Hollandsworth made five saves against the Gators in her first collegiate game.\nThis week, IU will be preparing for their Hoosier Classic home opener against Loyola Marymount on Sept. 7 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The Hoosiers will also face No. 25 USC on Sept. 9.