University of Georgia Athletics
University of Georgia
Oklahoma State
Season Opener Ends In 2-2 Draw After 2OT
August 19, 2016 | Soccer
Highlights of Georgia soccer's 2-2 season opening draw with the visiting Oklahoma State Cowgirls from the Turner Soccer Complex in Athens.
Aug. 19, 2016
BOX SCORE
ATHENS, Ga.--- After a 20 minute weather delay, Georgia soccer opened the 2016 campaign with a 2-2 tie against Oklahoma State in double overtime Friday night at the Turner Soccer Complex.
The Bulldogs (0-0-1) are 14-3-5 all-time in season openers.
"One of the things we wanted to do, especially with the weather conditions, was get off to a good start," Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne said. "We did a really nice job of getting that first goal and getting on the board. It was a hard fought battle by both teams."
Georgia was first on the board after a header from Lauren Tanner was blocked, setting Mariel Gutierrez up for the goal in the ninth minute of play.
Georgia and Oklahoma State shared the pitch through much of the first half, each team getting off a total of nine shots. Oklahoma State got one through Georgia's defense at the 30 minute mark to tie the game.
A Georgia corner kick was blocked and a followed up shot saved by multiple Cowgirls as time ran out in the first half.
The second half started as the rain picked back up. Oklahoma State took the lead in the 63rd minute with a header that rebounded off the crossbar.
Georgia answered with ten minutes left in the game. A cross from Tanner set freshman Katie MacGinnitie up for the equalizer.
The score was 2-2 at the end of regulation.
The Bulldogs and Cowgirls showed equal effort throughout the two overtime periods. Oklahoma State had three shots to Georgia's two, and a save by each goalkeeper. After the 20 extra minutes of play, the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
"I think the thing I am most proud of when it comes to this team is just being a team," senior forward Marion Crowder said. "We have worked in preseason on being a team and being unified. I thought that tonight from the bench players, to the players that played 90 minutes, to the coaching staff, and even to the fans we were all connected. That's a huge step in the right direction for us."
Georgia will travel to Clemson on Sunday to face the Tigers at 7 p.m.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA SOCCER: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
