No. 23 Georgia Ties No. 7 Alabama, 1-1, in SEC Opener

Thursday, September 14

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

7 p.m.

University of Georgia

3-1-3, 0-0-1

Alabama

5-0-4, 0-0-1

Georgia

Alabama

No. 23 Georgia Ties No. 7 Alabama, 1-1, in SEC Opener

September 14, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Boosted by Nicole Vernis' first-half equalizer, the University of Georgia soccer team earned a second-consecutive draw against a top-10 opponent, tying No. 7 Alabama, 1-1, Thursday evening before 878 spectators at the Alabama Soccer Complex.

Graduate forward Hannah White and redshirt freshman midfielder Summer Denigan tied for the team lead with two shots apiece, as Georgia (3-1-3, 0-0-1 SEC) tallied seven for the match (three on goal). Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Brown notched four saves against 13 shots from the Crimson Tide, including five on frame. Alabama (5-0-4, 0-0-1 SEC) also earned five corner kicks, while Georgia had none.

Alabama did not waste time getting on the board, taking advantage of a quick restart with Gianna Paul scoring in the fourth minute off an assist from Felicia Knox.

However, the deficit would be short-lived for the Bulldogs as Vernis slid the ball past a bevvy of Crimson Tide defenders for her second goal of the season. Vernis' goal was initiated by junior midfielder Aly Akers' third assist of the season, a pass set up by a deflected shot by Denigan. The rest of the period would prove to be rather quiet, although Brown did finish the half with three saves.

In the second half, Georgia found itself with numerous opportunities to break the tie, including a long possession in Alabama's end around the 57-minute mark. Another strong chance came in the 63^rd minute as White was blocked by streaking Tide keeper Dylan Pixton. The Bulldogs' attack was also stifled by five offsides in the second half, eventually ending the evening with nine total. Alabama made one final charge in the final minutes, but the stout Georgia defense ensured the draw.

Georgia returns home to close out non-conference play against San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. Prior to the match, nine Bulldog seniors will be recognized in the annual Senior Day ceremony. 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.