The University of Florida soccer team (8-4-2, 4-2 SEC) posted its fourth consecutive shutout win, defeating Southeastern Conference Western Division leader Auburn (9-4-1, 5-2 SEC) Friday evening in front of a James G. Pressly crowd of 849.

The four straight shutout wins is the longest for the Gators since 1999 when UF finished the regular season with five consecutive shutouts. UF Head Coach Becky Burleigh credited not only the Gator backline, but the play of the entire Florida team in their ability to keep the opponent’s off the scoreboard.

“I thought Shelley (Lyle) and Lauren (Hyde) were outstanding tonight. They won a lot of balls in the air and they cut out a lot of things that never got dangerous because they never let them get dangerous. They did a really good job, as well as the rest of the defense,” Burleigh said. “I think that (shutout streak) is a big testament to our entire team defense. I think our players are really committed to playing both directions, offensively and defensively. I like the way we are playing because we are not giving teams a lot of opportunities.”

After a scoreless first half, the Gators wasted little time when play resumed. Freshman Karly Findorff, making her third consecutive start at midfield, sent a ball from the top of the box to the left end line. KeLeigh Hudson collected the ball and curved it in for a far post goal. The goal was the fourth of the season for the senior.

“I pulled out wide when I saw that Karly had time and space. She had that look up and I made that run in behind. I was just trying to get it either across the goal or to the back post,” Hudson said. “It went over the goalkeeper’s head. I guess she was cheating (off her line).”

The goal came just 44 seconds into the second half, erasing the Gators’ previous quickest second half goal of the season set last Friday at Mississippi (Megan Kerns at 46:51).

The Gators extended their lead to 2-0 at 52:53 when Stacy Bishop headed in Ameera Abdullah’s corner kick .

“The ball was played in and I just saw it and headed it. It was a great ball served in,” Bishop said. “We finally scored on a corner kick – we haven’t done that this year.”

Bishop has now scored four goals this season, with three coming off her head. She and KeLeigh Hudson are tied for second among the Gators in 2007 goals. They also share the Florida points lead at 11 with fellow senior Ashley Harris. She credits her teammates’ serves for her header goals.

“All the balls have been perfect balls in, so I don’t have to do much,” she said. “Just get a head on it and it goes in.”

Florida has turned in nine goals in the last four matches after opening league play being outscored 4-1 in the first two matches. The team was having plenty of chances, but was experiencing trouble finishing. Burleigh said it was hard going through the scoring difficulties and hopes the team continues moving forward.

“We want to keep it rolling. We feel like we are getting out of slump of not scoring. I thought their keeper had a really good game tonight. She did a really good job of keeping them in the match,” Burleigh said. “We just want to keep getting three points and keep moving on.”

Next up, the Gators continue its homestand versus SEC Western Division rivals when Alabama (9-6-1, 2-4-1 SEC) visits Pressly Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 21. Match time is set for 1:30 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive a hackey sack. Alabama lost 2-0 at South Carolina Friday evening. Sunday’s match is available on GatorVision. More information about GatorVision is available at the official website of the Florida Gators – www.GatorZone.com. Match statistics and streaming audio of the UF-UA match can also be found on www.GatorZone.com.