University of Georgia Athletics
Patterson, Betos Lead Bulldogs To Invitational Title
September 06, 2009 | Soccer
"I thought we did a nice job in the second half," said head coach Patrick Baker. "We knew the first goal was going to be critical and it would force them to score two against us. We are learning, but we still have to be better at the beginning of Sunday games. We have to keep mixing it up. It's good that we've had a different hero every game. I credit our senior class. I thought Lindsay [Stein] was great today and really put their defense on their heels. It was a complete team effort."
After the squads played an evenly-matched opening period, Patterson tallied the score in the 54th minute of play when she fired a rocket into the bottom right corner after taking a sharp pass from Ashley Miller out on the right edge of the box. Patterson's goal was the fourth of the year for the Bulldogs all-time goals leader, though it was the senior's first goal since she netted a hat trick in the season opener vs. Kennesaw State.
Following an evening on which she didn't face a single shot on goal on Friday, Betos was brilliant in net today, coming away with a season-best six stops. Three of those saves were against wide open Huskies chances, including one midway through the second half where she reached full extension on the dive to bat away NU's shot and keep Georgia on top.
It was the fourth shutout the season for the senior from Flushing, N.Y., in five games.
"I definitely enjoy [seeing action] especially when balls aren't finding the back of the net," said Betos. "As a keeper you never know if you'll see one or 12 shots a game, but we have the privilege of a great back line. We're solid. It's something to take pride in."
Once the team received the go-ahead goal, Georgia was able to maintain total control in the second half and largely keep the ball in its own end to hold Northeastern off the scoreboard.
In the game, Miller led all players with four shots, while Patterson and Jamie Pollock took three apiece. Georgia fired 19 in all, to NU's seven. The Bulldogs also took eight corner kicks while the Huskies managed just two.
Northeastern suffered the loss today following a victory over Clemson in its first game. In today's opening contest, Clemson earned a 4-0 win over FAU.
After a two-goal effort Friday and two shots on goal today, Pollock earned tournament MVP honors, while Georgia defenders Leslie McConnell and Bailey Powell as well as Betos also made the tournament team.
Next up for the streaking Bulldogs will be a home contest next Friday, Sept. 11 against Georgia State to wrap up the team's six-game homestand, followed by the first road game of the season next Sunday, Sept. 13, at Charlotte.
All Tournament Team
Jamie Pollock, M, Georgia*
Michelle Betos, GK, Georgia
Leslie McConnell, D, Georgia
Bailey Powell, D, Georgia
Devin Petta, F, Northeastern
Liza Rebello, F, Northeastern
Stephanie Gordon, GK, Northeastern
Paula Pritzen, GK, Clemson
Jennifer Ficklen, D, Clemson
Maddy Elder, F, Clemson
Janelle Blake, M, Florida Atlantic
*Jamie Pollock named MVP
