No. 23 Georgia Hosts San Francisco on Senior Day

No. 23 Georgia (3-1-3, 0-0-1 SEC) vs. San Francisco (2-4-2, 0-0-0 WCC)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 17
Time: 11 a.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)

MEDIA INFORMATION
Live Stream: SEC Network+ (Kaleb Frady, PxP / Tatum Hodge, Analyst)
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.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: First Meeting

QUICK KICKS
Bulldog Brunch
No. 23 Georgia concludes its non-conference season with a Sunday matinee against West Coast Conference opponent San Francisco. The Bulldogs and Dons have never played before, although head coach Keidane McAlpine defeated USF, 2-0, while at USC in the 2019 season. Georgia is 1-4-1 all-time against WCC opponents, with the most recent matchup being a 3-1 loss to Gonzaga on Aug. 22, 2021. USF enters Sunday's match at 2-4-2 following a 2-0 win over Chattanooga on Thursday evening. Since opening the season 0-4, including three Pac-12 opponents, the Dons are unbeaten (2-0-2) in their last four outings.

Roll Tied
No. 23 Georgia drew No. 7 Alabama, 1-1, Thursday evening in the program's first ranked-vs.-ranked matchup since 2014. After allowing an early Alabama goal, redshirt senior midfielder Nicole Vernis slid an Aly Akers service through the Crimson Tide defense for the equalizer. Powered by four saves from sophomore keeper Jordan Brown and another strong effort from the Bulldog backline, Georgia was able to earn the result in its SEC opener despite being outshot 13-7, not earning a single corner kick, and being called offsides nine times. It is also the first time in program history that Georgia has earned a result against two consecutive top-10 opponents. Overall, the Bulldogs are 2-2-3 against ranked opponents dating back to last year's SEC Tournament.

Celebrating the Class
Prior to today's match, 10 members of the Georgia senior class will be honored in the annual Senior Day ceremony. Graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie is the longest-tenured player of the group, helping the Bulldogs tally 40 wins over her five-year career.

Vernis Heating Up
After sitting out last season due to SEC transfer regulations, Nicole Vernis has begun to assert herself as one of Georgia's top offensive players. In her last five matches, Vernis has racked up two goals and an assist, while leading the team in both shooting percentage (11 shots, .182) and shots on goal percentage (7 SOG, .636). Vernis gave Georgia a 1-0 win at Georgia Southern with a converted penalty last Thursday before supplying the equalizer this week at Alabama.

Approaching Milestones
Georgia head coach Keidane McAlpine is nearing a historic achievement, entering Thursday's match with 198 career victories, setting him two away from 200 in his outstanding career. Additionally, the program is nearing a milestone 300th victory in program history, standing at 292 wins entering the San Francisco matchup.

Dawg Bites

Georgia returned to the United Soccer Coaches rankings this week, moving back into the poll at No. 23.
Graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie entered rarefied territory for a Bulldog in the Clemson match, eclipsing the 5,000-minute mark in her career. Additionally, she has moved into the program top-10 for match appearances with 82.
Junior defender Jessie Dunn remains the iron woman of the Bulldogs' roster, playing a full 90 minutes in six of seven matches this year. Dunn has played 90+ in 13 of the Bulldogs' last 15 matches. Sophomore defender Cate Hardin has also become known for her endurance, tallying 90 minutes on four occasions this year.

Up Next
Georgia remains home for its SEC home opener against LSU on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotions: In addition to Senior Day, Sunday's match is hosting Oconee County Day and Camp Reunion Day.
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.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Aly Akers

Jordan Brown

Jessie Dunn

Cate Hardin

Mallie McKenzie

Nicole Vernis

University of Georgia Athletics