A goal from three different players gave the No. 19 University of Florida soccer team (1-0) a 3-1 victory over Drake (0-1) Friday evening in front of a James G. Pressly Stadium crowd of 1,571. The match, which was played in sometimes heavy rain, was called by the officials with 2:06 remaining in the second half due to lightening.

Sophomore Jasmine Johnson hit the first goal of the season at 17:01. Her 25-yard center shot hit the crossbar and rebounded into the goal. Johnson also opened the 2004 season with a goal in Florida’s 3-2 win over Dayton.

“The ball was bouncing around and they gave us some room. I had the chance, so I took the shot and it scored,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who underwent surgery in the off-season to repair a four-year-old anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee, showed no signs of her treatment Friday evening.

“Jasmine broke down the defense well with her passing and dribbling. She did a great job tonight,” UF Head Coach Becky Burleigh said.

Freshman Megan Kerns turned in her first collegiate goal at 59:59. Sophomore Shana Hudson made the overlapping run, bringing the ball down the right side. Her cross into the box was struck by Kerns from six-yards into the goal.

“Shana played an incredible cross and it skipped through. I got my left foot on it and it slipped past the keeper,” Kerns said.

Kerns was involved with the Gators’ third goal, this time earning the assist. Her corner kick at 63:00 was headed in from three-yards by senior Cherry Pickman.

“It was a good ball by Megan. I was where I was supposed to be and I was able to get my head on it to score,” Packman said.

The Bulldogs took advantage of a free kick awarded just above the Florida box at 64:29. Andrea Schmitz used her head to redirect the kick from Nikki Haden to bring the score to 3-1.

Burleigh was happy with Florida’s scoring production Friday.

“We were very happy to score three goals tonight. We used several combinations of players tonight. In the end, the more productive group of forwards got the most playing time.” Burleigh said. “Drake also did a good job on offense because their set pieces were very dangerous.”

Florida now heads to South Bend, Ind., to meet defending NCAA champion Notre Dame in the opening day of action at the aides Classic. The Gators meet No. 1 Notre Dame on Friday, Sept. 2 at 8:30 p.m. in a match that will be televised by CSTV. Then UF plays No. 9 Connecticut on Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon. Both matches can be heard on WRUF-AM 850 and www.gatorzone.com.