University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Florida Gulf Coast
MATCH CENTRAL: Florida Gulf Coast
August 18, 2021 | Soccer
This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Both teams enter the season having played one exhibition game. UT battled SEC rival Alabama to a 0-0 draw on Aug. 11, while FGCUÂ tied Miami, 2-2.
Admission is free for all regular-season soccer matches. For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee's clear bag policy will be in effect again this season. Game promotions include Fan Appreciation Night, Dollar Dog Night & Thursday Night Trivia. Visit utsports.com/FanHQ for more info.Â
SCOUTING THE EAGLES: FGCU was picked to finish third in the ASUN Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Eagles went 7-3-2 in the spring of 2021, including a 4-2 record in the Atlantic Sun, earning a second-place finish in the ASUN South Division. Their season came to a close with a tough 1-0 double-overtime loss to Kennesaw State in the ASUN Semifinals.
FOUR VOLS ON WATCH LIST: Seniors Mackenzie George and Wrenne French, junior Lindsey Romig, and redshirt-sophomore Jaida Thomas were named to the 2021 SEC Soccer Preseason Watch List.
FAMILIAR FACES: Nine of 11 starters from last year's squad that won the 2020 SEC East division championship are back this season.
DYNAMIC DUO: In 2020-21, Jaida Thomas and Mackenzie George combined for 16 goals, to finish as UT's top scorers. Thomas' 12 goals ranked first in the SEC and fourth in the NCAA. Both players earned postseason recognition, with Thomas being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and George earning All-SEC (second team) honors.
FAB FRESHMEN: UT welcomed eight freshmen in the nation's No. 17 signing class as rated by Top Drawer Soccer. The class features four high school All-Americans and the United Soccer Coaches' 2020 National High School Player of the Year, Taylor Huff.
EXPERIENCED TRANSFERS: UT added depth to key positions over the summer, bringing in three transfer students: Ashley Gabor (senior/GK/Penn), Hannah Zaluski (senior/D/George Washington), and Cariel Ellis (junior/F/Holmes CC). Additionally, sophomore defender Lindsey Brick, who came to UT from Syracuse in January 2021, is now eligible to compete.
FRESHMEN ON THE FIELD: Freshmen Claire Rain and Taylor Huff each earned a spot in the starting lineup for the exhibition match against Alabama. In total, four freshmen took the field for the Big Orange in that contest.
PRESEASON SEC STANDINGS:Â UT was tabbed fifth in the recently announced SEC Coaches' Preseason Poll. Arkansas and Texas A&M tied as the favorites to win the league, with South Carolina and Vanderbilt predicted at third and fourth, respectively.
UP NEXT: Tennessee will remain at home, hosting Miami (Ohio)Â on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., and the game will be streamed on SECN+.
