Shorthanded Georgia Tops Florida in 4-3 Thriller

Thursday, October 21

Athens, Ga.

5 p.m.

University of Georgia

11-3-2, 4-2-2

Florida

3-10-3, 2-5-1

Florida

Georgia

October 21, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – Despite surrendering a three-goal second half lead and being reduced to 10 players on the pitch, the University of Georgia soccer team remained in the hunt for the SEC East title with a last-minute 4-3 victory over rival Florida before 768 spectators Thursday evening at the Turner Soccer Complex.

In the 85^th minute, graduate forward Mollie Belisle posted her 15^th goal of the season as she headed in a beautiful cross from senior midfielder Dani Murguia. The goal put Belisle back into a tie for first nationally in scoring, while Murguia tied the program's single season assist record with her 11^th service, equaling the mark set by Suzannah Weathersbee in 1996. Murguia finished the night with her second five-point outing of the season.

Overall, Georgia (11-3-2, 4-2-2 SEC) led in shots by an 18-12 margin, including a 9-7 lead in shots on frame, while Florida (3-10-3, 2-5-1 SEC) held a slight edge in corners with 6 to Georgia's 5. In net, senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener finished with four saves.

"I'm really proud of the group and excited for the effort that they put in to get rewarded at the end being a player down and getting a late winner," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "You can see the excitement of Dani and Mollie, and how much it meant to them and the rest of the team. So proud of the effort they put forward tonight."

The Bulldogs came out firing with two quick shots in the opening moments, eventually breaking through with Murguia's first goal in the eighth minute. In a frantic scene, Belisle played the ball into the six-yard box, but senior midfielder Abby Boyan missed the pass, and the ball was kicked out by a Florida defender, allowing Murguia to knock it in. Holding a one-goal lead, the Bulldogs stifled the Gators' attack, with Florida only amassing one shot in the entire period.

In the 38^th minute, the Bulldogs added another score, thanks to a foul inside the box by Florida's Alexa Goldberg. Sophomore forward Madison Haugen calmly converted on the ensuing penalty kick for her second career goal, helping Georgia head to the locker room with a two-score lead.

The second half opened similarly to the first for Georgia as Murguia knocked it in from the top of the 18 off the assist from Belisle. However, following the score, the Florida attack would assume control for much of the remaining minutes, starting with a goal by Madison Alexander in the 53^rd minute off the pass from Kouri Peace. The Gators would continue to cut into the deficit in the 62^nd minute as Riley Thompson scored off a service from Kit Loferski.

Two minutes later, the momentum of the match changed as senior defender Cecily Stoute was sent off with a red card for bringing down a Florida player near the 18. It was the first ejection of the season for a Georgia player and will keep Stoute from competing in Sunday's match at Tennessee. On the ensuing free kick, the Gators completed the comeback as Nicole Vernis took a short pass and kicked it past Wegener for the goal. After facing an 11-shot disparity in the opening half, Florida would go to lead the second half in shots at 11-6.

Now equipped with only 10 players, Georgia looked to salvage at least one point from the match, with Wegener helping the cause with a diving save in the 75^th minute. With only five minutes remaining in regulation, Murguia unfurled a perfect entry pass from 40 yards out to a streaking Belisle, who headed it into the net for the winner. In the final moments, the Georgia defense held strong, not allowing a shot as the clock went to zeroes.

Georgia now heads on the road for an important match against No. 10 Tennessee on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. at Regal Soccer Stadium in Knoxville. Now sitting with 10 divisional points, the Bulldogs remain in contention for their first-ever divisional title and at least an SEC Tournament first-round bye for the first time since 2013. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.