Georgia Takes Down No. 15 Clemson, 3-1

Thursday, September 2

Athens, Ga.

7 p.m.

University of Georgia

4-1-0, 0-0-0

Clemson

2-2-0, 0-0-0

Clemson

Georgia

September 02, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – Powered by two goals from graduate forward Mollie Belisle, the University of Georgia soccer team posted a resounding 3-1 win over No. 15 Clemson before 647 spectators Thursday evening at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Thursday's win snapped a five-match winning streak for Clemson (2-2-0) as Georgia (4-1) earned its first win in the series since 2009. The result was also the first victory for the program over a top-25 opponent since a 1-0 win at Auburn in 2015.

Georgia tallied a tight 17-14 advantage in total shots, although Clemson led in shots on goal by an 8-4 margin. The Tigers also earned four corner kicks as opposed to just one for the Bulldogs. Sophomore forward Tori Penn led all Bulldogs with four shots, while Belisle and senior midfielder Dani Murguia each had three.

On the defensive front, the backline of graduate Kayla Bruster, senior Cecily Stoute, and freshman Jessie Dunn, as well as senior midfielder Abby Boyan, each played a full 90 minutes as they maintained the two-goal lead. In net, senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener put aside an early goal to amass a season-high seven saves.

"I thought we started the match pretty well, had good possession, were confident on the ball, and then we gave up a goal against the run of play," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "But I saw how composed our team was and they didn't worry. They didn't go away from what we have been doing so well at home and we created some good chances. I though the team was resilient and did a great job managing the game in the second half."

In the early going, Murguia found two early chances, but Clemson would strike first as sophomore forward Makenna Morris scored in the fifth minute off an assist from her sister Maliah. The Tigers' lead proved to be short-lived as Belisle headed in the equalizer off the feed from junior forward Mallie McKenzie, set up by a kick from Boyan.

Just four minutes later, Belisle put the Bulldogs ahead for good with a goal off her back foot, assisted by Murguia and McKenzie. With the two-goal outing, Belisle moved into a tie for leading goal scorer in the nation, equaling the seven netted by St. John's senior Zsani Kajan.

In the 39^th minute, freshman forward Danielle Lewin finished off the scoring with her fifth score of the season, putting away a shot in the box after breaking away with a Boyan pass.

The physicality amplified in the second half as Clemson pressed in search of a comeback. At the same time, Wegener took over with a series of outstanding plays in net, beginning with a diving save in the 65^th minute. The Georgia defense also held its own, fighting off a promising Clemson corner opportunity in the 70^th minute. The Tigers' final surge came in the final two minutes as three boots inside the box were blocked or saved by Wegener, preserving the victory.

Georgia now turns its attention toward a matchup with Wofford on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. Prior to the match, eight Georgia seniors will be recognized in a Senior Night ceremony. Admission is free 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.