University of Georgia Athletics
Thursday, August 31
Athens, Ga.
6 p.m.
University of Georgia
vs
Minnesota
No. 22 Georgia Opens Busy Weekend Against Minnesota
August 30, 2023 | Soccer
No. 22 Georgia (1-1-0, 0-0-0 SEC) vs. Minnesota (3-1-0, 0-0-0 Big Ten)
Date: Thursday, Aug. 31
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)
MEDIA INFORMATION
Live Stream: SEC Network+
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
X: @UGASoccer
Instagram: @UGASoccer
Social Media: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
QUICK KICKS
Game On, Gophers
Georgia remains home for a non-conference matchup against Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference, the first meeting between the programs since a 2011 Bulldog win in Minneapolis. The Gophers head to Athens after splitting a pair of matches last week in Milwaukee against Milwaukee and Marquette. Thursday's match is the first against a Big Ten opponent since a 5-0 win over Maryland on Sept. 1, 2019. In its history, Georgia is 5-3-1 all-time against B1G schools. On another note, this marks the second-consecutive matchup in which Georgia and its opponent share a previous head coach, following UCF and Bill Barker last week. Sue Patberg began the Minnesota program in 1994, coaching six seasons with the Gophers before leading Georgia from 2000-04.
Better Late Than Never
Georgia earned its first win of the season in dramatic fashion last week with a 2-1 victory over No. 22 UCF. Despite dominating the run of play, the Bulldogs trailed 1-0 heading into the final 10 minutes. Freshman Caroline Smith tied the match in the 83rd minute off a goalkeeper rebound, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors in the process. Later, graduate Hannah White finished off a long pass from senior Nicole Vernis, splitting two Knights defenders to deposit the winning goal with only 54 seconds remaining. White's goal was the second-latest regulation winner in program history, trailing only Jennifer Ahern's goal against UCF at the 89:35 mark on Sept. 5, 1998.
Feeling 22
Following the UCF win, Georgia replaced the Knights as the No. 22 team in the United Soccer Coaches poll, earning 26 points from the committee. The Bulldogs are also remained 25th in this week's Top Drawer Soccer rankings. Georgia's appearance in the United rankings marks its first time in the rankings since spending five weeks during the fall portion of the 2020-21 season. The last time Georgia was ranked in a traditional season was at No. 22 in October 2014.
National Team Ties
Both Georgia and Minnesota carry U.S. Women's National Team ties into this match, specifically the legendary 1999 Women's World Cup championship team. Junior midfielder Aly Akers is the niece of Michelle Akers, who scored 107 goals for the USWNT and was named FIFA Female Player of the Century in 2002. Minnesota head coach Erin Chastain is the sister-in-law of Brandi Chastain, who scored the winning penalty kick in 1999. Both Akers and Chastain played for the USWNT in their gold medal-winning 2-1 victory over China at Sanford Stadium during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
A Stout Schedule
Georgia will face one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2023, beginning with a road match against No. 1 UCLA, followed by a home opener with No. 22 UCF. The Bulldogs will face 15 Power 5 opponents, including currently ranked Clemson, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Georgia is also the only Power 5 program in the country to face an opponent from each of the other four leagues. WoSo Independent rated the schedule as the 10th-hardest nationally.
Portal Pick-Ups
Bethune was one of five transfers added to the roster by McAlpine. She was joined by USC teammate Hannah White, who scored five career goals and is the step-sister of Georgia senior forward Tori Penn. Midfielders Aly Akers (Notre Dame) and Summer Denigan (Florida State) add considerable depth to the position group, while fellow midfielder Nicole Vernis finally joins the lineup after sitting out last season following a transfer from Florida. The Bulldogs' transfer class was named third in the nation by the WoSo Independent.
Up Next
Georgia remains home to face Sun Belt foe Southern Miss on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. During the match, the Bulldogs will celebrate Alumni Day and will recognize over 25 former players at halftime. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotion: Thursday's match is Taylor at Turner Night. The first 500 spectators in attendance will receive a Taylor Swift-themed Georgia Soccer T-shirt. There will also be a promotion station for spectators to create bracelets.
Free Admission: All matches at Turner Soccer Complex are free. No tickets are required for admission.
Parking: Due to construction at the Turner Soccer Complex, parking is first-come, first-serve and carpooling is encouraged. Overflow crowds will park at the Park & Ride (E23) lot on College Station Road with non-stop shuttle service throughout the match.
Entrance: Spectators will only be able to enter the Turner Soccer Complex on the first base side of Jack Turner Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to kickoff.
Clear Bags: The UGA Clear Bag policy will be in effect for all home matches.
Prohibited Items: Umbrellas and outside noise makers are not permitted at Turner Soccer Complex.
Sustainability: Turner Soccer Complex is on a journey to become a zero-waste facility for the 2023 season.
Concessions: Concessions will be available via cashless/contactless payment.
Merchandise: The UGA Bookstore will be selling merchandise on site.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 31
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)
MEDIA INFORMATION
Live Stream: SEC Network+
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
X: @UGASoccer
Instagram: @UGASoccer
Social Media: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
QUICK KICKS
Game On, Gophers
Georgia remains home for a non-conference matchup against Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference, the first meeting between the programs since a 2011 Bulldog win in Minneapolis. The Gophers head to Athens after splitting a pair of matches last week in Milwaukee against Milwaukee and Marquette. Thursday's match is the first against a Big Ten opponent since a 5-0 win over Maryland on Sept. 1, 2019. In its history, Georgia is 5-3-1 all-time against B1G schools. On another note, this marks the second-consecutive matchup in which Georgia and its opponent share a previous head coach, following UCF and Bill Barker last week. Sue Patberg began the Minnesota program in 1994, coaching six seasons with the Gophers before leading Georgia from 2000-04.
Better Late Than Never
Georgia earned its first win of the season in dramatic fashion last week with a 2-1 victory over No. 22 UCF. Despite dominating the run of play, the Bulldogs trailed 1-0 heading into the final 10 minutes. Freshman Caroline Smith tied the match in the 83rd minute off a goalkeeper rebound, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors in the process. Later, graduate Hannah White finished off a long pass from senior Nicole Vernis, splitting two Knights defenders to deposit the winning goal with only 54 seconds remaining. White's goal was the second-latest regulation winner in program history, trailing only Jennifer Ahern's goal against UCF at the 89:35 mark on Sept. 5, 1998.
Feeling 22
Following the UCF win, Georgia replaced the Knights as the No. 22 team in the United Soccer Coaches poll, earning 26 points from the committee. The Bulldogs are also remained 25th in this week's Top Drawer Soccer rankings. Georgia's appearance in the United rankings marks its first time in the rankings since spending five weeks during the fall portion of the 2020-21 season. The last time Georgia was ranked in a traditional season was at No. 22 in October 2014.
National Team Ties
Both Georgia and Minnesota carry U.S. Women's National Team ties into this match, specifically the legendary 1999 Women's World Cup championship team. Junior midfielder Aly Akers is the niece of Michelle Akers, who scored 107 goals for the USWNT and was named FIFA Female Player of the Century in 2002. Minnesota head coach Erin Chastain is the sister-in-law of Brandi Chastain, who scored the winning penalty kick in 1999. Both Akers and Chastain played for the USWNT in their gold medal-winning 2-1 victory over China at Sanford Stadium during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
A Stout Schedule
Georgia will face one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2023, beginning with a road match against No. 1 UCLA, followed by a home opener with No. 22 UCF. The Bulldogs will face 15 Power 5 opponents, including currently ranked Clemson, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Georgia is also the only Power 5 program in the country to face an opponent from each of the other four leagues. WoSo Independent rated the schedule as the 10th-hardest nationally.
Portal Pick-Ups
Bethune was one of five transfers added to the roster by McAlpine. She was joined by USC teammate Hannah White, who scored five career goals and is the step-sister of Georgia senior forward Tori Penn. Midfielders Aly Akers (Notre Dame) and Summer Denigan (Florida State) add considerable depth to the position group, while fellow midfielder Nicole Vernis finally joins the lineup after sitting out last season following a transfer from Florida. The Bulldogs' transfer class was named third in the nation by the WoSo Independent.
Up Next
Georgia remains home to face Sun Belt foe Southern Miss on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. During the match, the Bulldogs will celebrate Alumni Day and will recognize over 25 former players at halftime. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotion: Thursday's match is Taylor at Turner Night. The first 500 spectators in attendance will receive a Taylor Swift-themed Georgia Soccer T-shirt. There will also be a promotion station for spectators to create bracelets.
Free Admission: All matches at Turner Soccer Complex are free. No tickets are required for admission.
Parking: Due to construction at the Turner Soccer Complex, parking is first-come, first-serve and carpooling is encouraged. Overflow crowds will park at the Park & Ride (E23) lot on College Station Road with non-stop shuttle service throughout the match.
Entrance: Spectators will only be able to enter the Turner Soccer Complex on the first base side of Jack Turner Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to kickoff.
Clear Bags: The UGA Clear Bag policy will be in effect for all home matches.
Prohibited Items: Umbrellas and outside noise makers are not permitted at Turner Soccer Complex.
Sustainability: Turner Soccer Complex is on a journey to become a zero-waste facility for the 2023 season.
Concessions: Concessions will be available via cashless/contactless payment.
Merchandise: The UGA Bookstore will be selling merchandise on site.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Soccer
Forward
/ Soccer
Midfielder
/ Soccer
Forward
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