Georgia Shuts Out Belmont, 5-0

Sunday, August 29

Athens, Ga.

2 p.m.

University of Georgia

3-1-0, 0-0-0

Belmont

1-3-0, 0-0-0

Belmont

Georgia

August 29, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – Continuing a streak of offensive success, the University of Georgia soccer team earned its first shutout of the season in a 5-0 win over Belmont Sunday afternoon before 305 fans at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Five Bulldogs scored in the contest with graduate forward Mollie Belisle, senior midfielder Dani Murguia, and freshman forward Danielle Lewin each scoring for the third time in four matches. Sophomore forward Tori Penn scored for the second time this season, while freshman midfielder Morgan Hart notched her first career goal.

As a team, Georgia (3-1-0) outshot Belmont (1-3-0), 29-4, including an 18-4 advantage in shots on goal and a 6-0 corner kick margin. Lewin led the Bulldogs in shots for the third time this season with six, while Belisle took four. On the defensive end, senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener earned the shutout with a season-high four saves.

"They have a lot of confidence now with how they created scoring opportunities," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne. "If we are clicking in the final third, then we will be in front of goal. The players have executed at a really high level, and now with some continued patience with delivery and service on set pieces, that's helped us…When the season goes on, you're going to have fewer and fewer chances in the run of play, and we probably need to maximize some of those opportunities. We worked at it, and I'm thankful we created in this match and certainly so far this season."

In the seventh minute, Georgia earned its first scoring opportunity with a corner kick, but freshman midfielder Isabella Muzzolini's header attempt was saved. Three minutes later, the Bulldogs got on the board as Murguia's corner kick hit off the inside post and went into the net.

Later in the half, Penn found herself with a great look inside the box, but another solid Belmont save foiled her. She would exact revenge in the final minute of the half, taking a clearance from freshman defender Jessie Dunn and putting it in the net to make it a 2-0 match at intermission.

Aside from a Belisle shot on frame in the 57^th minute, the second half started with a subdued pace. But in the 70^th minute, Hart broke the stalemate by stealing the ball and finishing within the six-yard box for her first career goal. Soon after, Lewin tallied her fourth goal of the season with an assist from Murguia. Finally, Belisle increased her season total to five goals with a floating header off a corner from sophomore forward Madison Haugen.

Georgia remains home this week for a high-profile matchup against No. 9 Clemson on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. Admission is free for fans and 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.