Georgia Falls to Vanderbilt, 2-1, in Regular Season Finale

Thursday, October 28

Athens, Ga.

7 p.m.

University of Georgia

11-5-2, 4-4-2

Vanderbilt

8-8-2, 5-4-1

Vanderbilt

Georgia

Georgia Falls to Vanderbilt, 2-1, in Regular Season Finale

October 28, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score 2021 SEC Tournament Bracket

ATHENS, Ga. – Despite taking an early lead, the University of Georgia soccer team was unable to withstand a second-half charge from Vanderbilt, falling 2-1 to the Commodores before 495 spectators Thursday evening in the 2021 regular season finale at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Freshman Ellie Gilbert earned her first career score in the 21^st minute off a Vanderbilt deflection inside the box. Despite having numerous opportunities to add another goal in the subsequent minutes, Georgia (11-5-2, 4-4-2 SEC) was undone by Vanderbilt's (8-8-2, 5-4-1 SEC) set pieces in the second half.

With the loss, Georgia fell to eighth in the final SEC standings, earning an SEC Tournament first-round match against ninth-seeded LSU on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. EDT at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Alabama. The Bulldogs defeated the then-No. 5 Tigers, 2-1, in a thrilling overtime match on Sept. 26 in Baton Rouge. In the final minute of the first overtime, graduate forward Mollie Belisle scored off a steal and assist from graduate defender Kayla Bruster to give Georgia its third-ever win against a top-five opponent.

For the match, the Bulldogs led in shots, 11-9, with the teams equaling in shots on frame at five. After not posting a shot in the first half, the Commodores outshot the Bulldogs, 9-3, in the second half. It was the first match this season in which Georgia was defeated despite leading its opponent in total shots. Graduate forward Mollie Belisle led with four shots in her final home match, with senior midfielder Abby Boyan knotting two. Senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener finished with three saves in a full 90-minute performance.

The first half opened quietly for both teams with only shot taken in the first 13 minutes of play, with the stalemate finally broken by Gilbert's goal. After an initial shot by senior midfielder Dani Murguia was saved by Vanderbilt goalkeeper Kate Devine, Gilbert struck from 10 yards out to give the Bulldogs an early lead. Aside from a Boyan shot on goal in the 44^th minute, the opening period continued uneventfully.

Vanderbilt opened the second half with a more aggressive attack, quickly notching its first shot in the 48^th minute. Around 10 minutes later, the Commodores used the first of two scoring corners to tie the match as Alex Kerr knocked in the entry pass from Madison Elwell for the equalizer. Vanderbilt continued to pressure Georgia in its territory, but the backline held strong, only allowing one shot on target in a 20-minute span.

In the 84^th minute, Georgia appeared to have a strong scoring opportunity as Belisle stole the ball at midfield and began heading toward the Vanderbilt goal with teammates at her side. Belisle's first shot was saved by Devine, with freshman midfielder Isabella Muzzolini's follow-up also stopped by Devine. A few minutes later, the Commodores again found success on the corner with Quinn Cornog putting in the winner off assists from Elwell and Peyton Cutshall.

Georgia will now travel to Orange Beach for the beginning of the SEC Tournament on Sunday. If the Bulldogs prevail over the Tigers, they will advance to a quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 2 against top-seeded Arkansas at 6 p.m. EDT on SEC Network.

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