Georgia Defeats Kennesaw State to Open Spring Slate

Thursday, February 25

Athens, Ga.

6:30 p.m.

University of Georgia

3-4-2, 2-3-2

Kennesaw State

1-3-0, 0-0-0

Kennesaw St.

Georgia

Georgia Defeats Kennesaw State to Open Spring Slate

February 25, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. --- The University of Georgia soccer team defeated the Kennesaw State Owls, 2-1, at the Turner Soccer Complex on Thursday night to open the spring slate. The Bulldog's record improves to 3-4-2 on the 2020-21 season.

Senior Mollie Belisle led the team with seven shots, six on goal. Junior Abby Boyan followed with four shots, three were on frame. Both Belisle and Boyan scored for the Bulldogs.

"I don't think we were as precise with our finishing today," Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne said. "We were excited to get out and play, but our emotions got the best of us and we weren't as accurate as we wanted to be with our shots.  I think their keeper did an incredible job in goal, but we put balls close to her hands and gave her opportunities to get some of those saves. We will work this week on our composure and how we shape and frame our shots - that's going to be important for us."

Georgia started on the attack but it was Kennesaw State on the board first with a goal in the eighth minute. Immediately following return to play, the Bulldogs answered with a goal of their own. Belisle shot a deflection from the KSU goalkeeper to the back of the net for the score in the ninth minute.

Georgia continued to apply pressure, taking eight shots to the Owls' three, but the score remained knotted at one after 45 minutes of play.

Georgia maintained dominant possession in the second half, adding ten more shots.

The Bulldogs drew a foul in the box resulting in a penalty kick at the 78-minute mark. It was Boyan who took the opportunity, notching the go-ahead goal for Georgia.

With 12 minutes remaining, Georgia's defense held on tight and kept Kennesaw from reaching the final third. The Bulldogs held the Owls to six total shots on night.

The Bulldogs will hit the road next weekend as they travel to Montevallo, Ala. to play the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday March 6 at 2 p.m. ET.