CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Florida soccer used an early second-half goal from freshman Lena Bailey to take a 1-0 win in a weather-shortened match at Charlotte late Thursday afternoon at Transamerica Field. It was the first meeting between Florida and Charlotte.

The match was ended in the 82nd minute due to lightning strikes in the area. It was known before the match Florida had a 9 p.m. return flight Thursday so waiting out the storm wasn't possible.

Did You Know?

It is the fifth time - and first since 2010 - UF has opened a season unbeaten through the opening six matches.

This Afternoon's Match

After a scoreless opening half, freshman Lena Bailey gave the Gators the lead in the 51st minute. Bailey received the ball just above the box from Oakley Rasmussen. She spun, took a step into the box to shed her defender before scoring on a right-footed shot.

She now shares Florida's 2023 goals lead (3) with fellow freshman Megan Hinnenkamp.

Florida outshot the 49ers 8-0, with half of the shots on goal. Today's result is senior goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg's fourth solo shutout, equaling her season-high set in 2021.

Coach Samantha Bohon Said:
"Anytime you can get a win on the road, that's a good result. I liked our response from Sunday's game and think we got better today. We made some adjustments at halftime and I was proud to see how well the team implemented them.

"That was a clinical goal by Lena that came after we had a good amount of productive possession. And, I felt our defense was hard to beat today, holding a talented attacking group to no shots all game.

"We'll keep working hard and developing as we prepare for a talented FSU squad." - Florida Soccer Head Coach Samantha Bohon

Records:
Florida: 4-0-2, 0-0-0 SEC
Charlotte: 2-3-1, 0-0-0 AAC

Series Record:
This was the first meeting between Charlotte and Florida.

Next Up:
Florida closes this three match road stretch Sunday at No. 5 Florida State. Both teams enter Sunday's match unbeaten, as the Seminoles pushed their 2023 record to 4-0 with a 4-0 win Thursday at North Florida.