Glisson’s Hat Trick Propels Georgia Over Charlotte

Sunday, August 26

Athens, Ga.

2:00 p.m.

University of Georgia

2-1-1

Charlotte

2-2

Charlotte

Georgia

Glisson’s Hat Trick Propels Georgia Over Charlotte

August 26, 2018 | Soccer

Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. --- Five unanswered goals, including a hat trick from sophomore Reagan Glisson, propelled the Georgia (2-1-1) soccer team to a 5-1 victory over the Charlotte 49ers (2-2) on Sunday afternoon at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Sophomore Katie Ralys contributed to three goals, scoring Georgia's go-ahead goal and assisting two others. Glisson also had an assist and sophomore Jessie Denney scored the final goal of the game for the Bulldogs.

Today's victory marks the 250^th win in program history for Georgia. The Bulldogs also remain unbeaten by Charlotte in six total meetings.

"Really the start to the second half was the key for us," head coach Billy Lesesne said. "I thought that in the first half we did not play as well as we are capable of, but we still went into halftime with a lead which is fortunate. At half time, you start to think about how in a 2-1 game the next goal will really be a big one. You think, 'if we get it, the score will be 3-1 and we have some solid momentum or if they get it it's 2-2.' To get the start we got early in the second half was outstanding and really a platform for us going forward."

Charlotte was the first to strike, scoring its first and only goal in the 17^th minute of the game. Fifteen minutes later, a Charlotte defender tried to clear the ball but Glisson was there to send it over the goalkeeper for the equalizer.

Georgia continued on the attack and refused to let up. The Bulldogs' go-ahead goal came in the 37^th minute after Glisson served the ball to Ralys who was able to kick it in for the finish. The Bulldogs held the one goal advantage after 45 minutes of play.

Fifteen seconds into the second half the Bulldogs scored again. Glisson made a short pass to freshman Dani Murguia who passed it back to Glisson for the score, extending Georgia's lead to 3-1.

Glisson completed her hat trick in the 54^th minute of action after getting the ball from Ralys and going on the breakaway to score.

"Sometimes Reagan shoots in volume and today she didn't have to, she was very good with the finish," Lesesne added. "It's all based on her confidence, you can see it building. Credit to her for the hard work she's put in and now she's getting the reward for it. As a goal scorer that's how you measure yourself and she's in a really good place right now."

After fancy footwork from Ralys, she crossed the ball to the outside post where Denney was in position for the header to finish.

All five of Georgia's unanswered goals came within 25 minutes of play and on 12 total shots, only two of which were not on target.

The Bulldogs continue their home stand with back-to-back games in Athens on Thursday, August 30 against Purdue at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, September 2 against Virginia Tech at 2 p.m. Admission to the Turner Soccer Complex is free.

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.