University of Georgia Athletics
Bulldogs Open Regular Season Against Mercer Friday
August 19, 2008 | Soccer
ATHENS, Ga. --- Following the most successful season in program history, the No. 18 Georgia Bulldogs open the 2008 season against the Mercer Bears, which was selected second in the Atlantic Sun preseason poll. Mercer finished the 2007 season with a program record 11 wins, including a program-best nine conference victories, and made it to the conference tournament championship game. In 2008, Mercer returns All-Conference performers Kacie Hudson and Meghan Castaldo and also adds the conference’s top recruiting class.
With a win, the Bulldogs will move 10-1-2 in season openers. The Bulldogs have faced the Bears six times, once previously to open the season, and have won all six contests. Under head coach Patrick Baker, the Bulldogs have defeated the Bears twice, including a 1-0 victory last season. Prior to his arrival at Georgia, Baker’s Florida State team defeated Mercer, 4-1, in 1999.
Admission to all Georgia soccer matches is free of charge. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The promotions department will give away 2008 Georgia soccer magnets to the first 1,000 fans arriving at the game. The first 400 UGA students at the game will receive a free Georgia soccer T-shirt. Also, a drawing for a soccer ball signed by the entire soccer team will be held during the second half. Players will also sign autographs following the game.
GXtra To Televise Soccer Opener
For those fans not able to make it out to Friday night’s contest against Mercer, GXtra will provide free, live coverage of the game, beginning at 6:50 p.m. Live video streaming will accompany the play-by-play from GXtra’s Kaleb Frady and Kevin Copp.
GXtra, the official premium online service of the Georgia Bulldogs, will provide coverage of 28 Georgia sporting events, including an audio-only broadcast of the football team’s home opener against Georgia Southern. A complete list of games can be found here.
More Information
- Soccer Stadium located on South Milledge Avenue
- Free Admission
- First 1,000 fans receive a Georgia Soccer Schedule Magnet
- First 400 UGA Students receive a Georgia Soccer t-shirt
