Florida aims for record crowd -- and win over might Notre Dame

• by Soccer America , Aug 31, 2007

Florida is looking to set a school attendance record when the No. 12 Gators host No. 2 Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon at Pressly Stadium (TV: Sun Sports, FSN Florida, live, 1:30 pm).

The game has been dubbed "Let's Pack Pressly" and Florida is conducting several promotions, including Gator Soccer t-shirts courtesy of Sun Sports for the first 2,500 fans.

Florida looks to be for real. The Gators beat No. 6 Texas A&M, 3-1, in an exhibition game. In another early-season clash, they will meet No. 7 Florida State on Sept. 9.

Coach Becky Burleigh returns 10 starters from 2006, not including All-American Melanie Booth, who sat out due to commitments with the Canadian national team and will miss at least the first three weeks of the 2007 season as she competes with Canada at the Women's World Cup in China.
 
The Gators will need to get a big game out of sophomore Lauren Hyde, who led the team from her center back position in minutes played as a freshman, if they are to shut down the potent Irish attack, led by 2006 Hermann Trophy winner Kerri Hanks.

Florida and Notre Dame have one previous meeting. Then-defending NCAA champion Notre Dame won, 4-1, on Sept. 2, 2005.