Bulldogs Power Past Owls, 6-0, in Exhibition Finale

Saturday, August 14

Athens, Ga.

6 p.m.

University of Georgia

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Kennesaw State (Exh.)

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Kennesaw St.

Georgia

Photo by: Tony Walsh

Bulldogs Power Past Owls, 6-0, in Exhibition Finale

August 14, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – Highlighted by three goals from freshmen, the University of Georgia soccer team showcased a promising future as it closed out the exhibition season with a 6-0 victory over Kennesaw State Saturday evening at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Freshman forward Danielle Lewin opened the scoring with two quick goals in the first half, while freshman midfielder Chandler Kenny, sophomore forward Tori Penn, senior midfielder Dani Murguia, and graduate forward Mollie Belisle each knotted a score in the second half.

Overall, the Bulldogs dominated in shots by a 23-5 margin, including a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener posted a clean sheet in a full 90 minutes of play, as well as a save early in the second half.

"It certainly gives us a boost from an offensive standpoint," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "We went to Duke and played a tough exhibition against a really good team. In preseason, we're in our defensive shape. After Duke, we flipped the page and started working on our attacking side for a couple days of training. To create scoring chances and to finish several opportunities, it was a good boost to our confidence as far as attacking and getting forward."

Both teams started conservatively in the opening, with junior forward Mallie McKenzie just missing to the right in the 13^th minute. After being substituted four minutes earlier, Lewin put Georgia on the board with a shot from the top of the box in the 29^th minute. Just three minutes later, Lewin added another goal as she worked out of a scrum in the box to finish her chance.

In the second half, junior forward Haley Sorrell had a strong opportunity in the 58^th minute, but her direct liner was caught by the Kennesaw keeper. Later, Belisle made it 3-0 as she took a pass from sophomore forward Madison Haugen and scored using her back foot. Almost immediately after, Murguia made it a four-goal lead with an unassisted strike. As the match wore down, further goals were added on via a header from Kenny and a strike from Penn.

Georgia turns its attention toward the regular season, starting with its regular season opener against Campbell on Thursday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. 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.