Georgia Drops 1-0 Decision to Florida

Thursday, October 18

Gainesville, FL

6:30 p.m.

University of Georgia

4-8-4,SEC 1-5-2

Florida

5-8-3,SEC 3-3-2

Georgia

Florida

Photo by: Kristin M. Bradshaw

October 18, 2018 | Soccer

Box Score

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- A few solid chances were not enough for the Bulldogs as Georgia soccer fell in a close game to the Florida Gators, 1-0, on Thursday night at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

"It was one of those games where it's decided in small moments and we didn't take advantage of two really good opportunities where their goalkeeper made big saves," Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne said after the game. "Unfortunately all of our hard work and tough effort went for nothing from the sense of the scoreboard. I thought our players fought hard, especially in the second half. We didn't create as many opportunities but I thought the opportunities we did create were good ones. Florida made good saves and we didn't finish our chances and that's what happens in this league."

The Gators put the Bulldogs on the defense early, taking two shots in the first five minutes of play before Georgia was able to turn on the attack.

Georgia had an opportunity to take the lead in the 10^th minute with a beautiful shot by sophomore Katie Ralys that knocked the Gator goalkeeper on the ground and was deflected.

Florida got on the board at the 13:37 mark with a shot from eight yards out from Tess Sapone. Georgia nearly earned the equalizer a minute later with a shot from Jessie Denney, but it was secured by the goalkeeper.

Georgia was able to hold the Gators to one goal after 45 minutes of play, despite seven shots with three on goal. Two of the Bulldogs' three shots were on frame in the first half.

Returning to the field, Georgia turned on the attack and returned to the defensive mode before taking a shot. The Gators had two close calls in the 56^th minute but both attempts were deflected by the Bulldogs to keep Florida's advantage at one.

With 1:18 on the clock, Katie Ralys took a shot that forced the Gator goalkeeper to dive for the save, resulting in the 1-0 loss to Florida.

Georgia finished with five total shots and three on target compared to the Gators 12 shots with four on frame.

The Bulldogs will return for a game against Alabama on Senior Day at the Turner Soccer Complex on Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m.

Prior to the game Georgia will honor its four seniors- Sydney Shultis, Anna Bougas and graduate transfers Kerry Manion and Kerri Cook.

After Georgia faces Alabama on Sunday for its final home game, the Bulldogs will conclude regular season action on the road in Lexington against the Kentucky Wildcats on Thursday, October 25.

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.