Georgia Falls to Duke, 2-0, in Exhibition Opener

Tuesday, August 10

Durham, N.C.

6 p.m.

University of Georgia

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Duke (Exh.)

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Georgia

Duke

Photo by: Tim Casey

August 10, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score

DURHAM, N.C. – The University of Georgia soccer team fell to No. 6 Duke, 2-0, at Koskinen Stadium on Tuesday night in an exhibition match to kick off the 2021 season.

"Tonight was a great opportunity to learn and grown against a very talented Duke team," said head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "We have only been training for a week and it was encouraging to see some positive moments as well as now having the ability to evaluate film with the team and get back to our training routine. We look forward to our exhibition at home against Kennesaw State on Saturday as another step in our team development."

Georgia recorded six shots on the night, including two from freshman Isabella Muzzolini, while freshman Danielle Lewin, sophomore Tori Penn, and juniors Mallie McKenzie and Lizzie Ammon each posted one.

Senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener faced five shots with three saves. Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Swoopes relieved her for the 20-minute bonus period added to the end of regulation.

Muzzonlini and freshman Jessie Dunn chalked the first start of their Bulldog careers while newcomers Lewin, Morgan Hart, Ellie Gilbert, Caroline Belisle, and Chandler Kenny made appearances off the bench.

Muzzolini had the first shot of the game at the 20-minute mark. With a pass from senior midfielder Abby Boyan, she took a chance, but the foot of Duke's Baleigh Bruster, sister of Georgia graduate defender Kayla, intercepted to clear it out.

The second shot came from Penn. After dribbling down the left side, she took an opportunity in the final third but hit the side netting.

The second half stayed even until the 63^rd minute when the Blue Devil offense scored with a point-blank cross and shot. They struck again off a breakaway at the 70^th minute. Lewin tried answering back a minute later with a breakaway of her own, but Duke's keeper came out and stopped her.

The Bulldogs return home to open an eight-game homestand with an exhibition match against Kennesaw State on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex.

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