Bulldogs Fall to No. 12 Auburn in SEC Opener

Friday, September 17

Auburn, Ala.

7:30 p.m.

University of Georgia

7-2-0, 0-1-0

Auburn

7-1-0, 1-0-0

Georgia

Auburn

September 17, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

AUBURN, Ala. – Snapping a six-match winning streak, the University of Georgia soccer team opened Southeastern Conference play with a 3-0 loss to No. 12 Auburn Friday evening before 1,500 fans at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

"I think the team that worked harder won tonight," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "We talked most of the time during the season leading up to SEC play that there is a different intensity, a different level of fight and we didn't have enough of that tonight. Credit to Auburn, I thought they played very well. Now our team knows what it looks like to play in this league and how we must handle emotion but also give a little but more battle and more fight so it's going to be important for us moving forward. Our job now is to regroup and make sure our response next week is a better response."

The Bulldogs were narrowly outshot in the contest, 17-15. However, Georgia (7-2, 0-1 SEC) outshot Auburn (7-1, 1-0 SEC) in the second half, 8-7. The Bulldogs did allow a season-high six corner kicks, all in the first half.

Georgia senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener suffered the loss in goal, allowing all three goals in the game, but recorded three saves. Auburn's Maddie Prohaska picked up the shutout with four saves.

Graduate forward Mollie Belisle got off six shots Friday evening, while senior midfielder Abby Boyan put both of her shots on goal. Sophomore forward Tori Penn came off the bench and had three shots in just 26 minutes played.

Auburn's Anna Haddock put the Tigers ahead in the 10th minute with her sixth goal of the season. At half, Auburn led the Bulldogs 1-0. Georgia's first two shots of the match from Boyan and freshman midfielder Isabella Muzzolini were on goal but stopped by Prohaska.

Haddock's second goal of the evening came in the 50th minute to widen Auburn's advantage to 2-0. 20 minutes later, Marissa Arias widened the lead further with her third goal of the season, 3-0.

Down 3-0, Georgia did not go quietly as the defense would only allow one more shot in the match and the offense took five shots after the goal, including a shot by Belisle that was blocked.

Up next, Georgia plays host to Mississippi State at Turner Soccer Complex on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. Admission is free and the match will be streamed on SEC Network+.