University of Georgia
Auburn
Shultis' Late Goal Pushes Dawgs Past #16Tigers
October 25, 2015 | Soccer
Oct. 25, 2015
AUBURN, Ala.--Freshman midfielder Sydney Shultis scored her first career goal in the 83' to push the Bulldogs past No. 16 Auburn, 1-0, on the road Sunday afternoon.
The win marked the second of the weekend for the Bulldogs and the first time that Auburn was defeated at home this season. Georgia earned six points in the Southeastern Conference standings this weekend that were crucial to the team's chances of earning a bid to the conference tournament.
Head coach Billy Lesesne was extremely happy with the poise his team showed this weekend with their backs against the wall.
"Going on the road and having to earn six points in two difficult places to play and play two teams that had been playing very well was a tall task," Lesesne said. "Auburn hadn't lost at home so for us to come in here today and grit through the first half was huge. Sydney had a good chance that went off of the crossbar in the first-half and then she got another one late here in the corner in the second-half. It was enough to push us over the top. It was very well played. It wasn't the prettiest match, but that's what Sunday matches are. We gritted it out and it was great to come away with the shutout."
The turning moment came in the 83' when Taylor Donohue, who was just inserted into the game, fired a corner kick into the middle of the box. Her pass made its way to an open Shultis who riccocheted her attempt off the cross bar and into the goal for her first career score.
Following the goal, the Bulldogs fought off every attempt the Tigers had to offer the final seven minutes to secure the victory. Goalkeeper Louise Hogrell turned in an incredible game making save after save to keep the scoreboard clean for Georgia.
The Tigers ended up outshooting the Bulldogs 15 to eight. Hogrell finished with five saves. Georgia attempted four corner kicks, one of which provided the game-winner.
Georgia rounds out its regular season schedule at home on Thursday vs. rival Florida at 7 p.m. ET. The match will play a key role in SEC conference standings.
