No. 22 Georgia Hosts LSU in SEC Home Opener Thursday

No. 22 Georgia (4-1-3, 0-0-1 SEC) vs. LSU (5-3-1, 0-1-0 SEC)
Date: Thursday, Sept. 21
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)

MEDIA INFORMATION
Live Stream: SEC Network+ (Jeff Dantzler, 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: Georgia leads, 11-7-4
In Athens: Georgia leads, 7-1-2
In Baton Rouge: LSU leads, 6-4-1
Neutral: Tied, 0-0-1
Last Meeting: T, 1-1 (Oct. 31, 2021 – SEC Tournament, Orange Beach, Ala.); LSU advanced, 5-4, on penalty kicks
Current Streak: T1
GF / GA: 39 / 31

QUICK KICKS
Tigers in Town
No. 22 Georgia welcomes LSU to Athens for its 2023 SEC home opener, following last week's 1-1 tie at Alabama. The Tigers are looking to rebound from a 1-0 loss at Ole Miss last Friday in their SEC opener. LSU's top win of the season came in a 3-1 win at then-No. 9 Texas on Aug. 24.

This is the first meeting between the programs since a pair of dramatic matchups during the 2021 season. First, on Sept. 26 in Baton Rouge, Mollie Belisle's winning goal in the final minute of overtime gave Georgia an upset win over No. 5 LSU. Later, in the SEC Tournament first round, the teams played to a scoreless tie before the Tigers advanced in penalties by a 5-4 margin in the final match of former head coach Billy Lesesne's tenure. In all, the last three meetings between Georgia and LSU have resulted in a tie in regulation.

Senior Day Shutout
Georgia concluded its non-conference slate with a 5-0 Senior Day victory over San Francisco last Sunday. After USF battered Georgia with five shots in the first 10 minutes of play, the Bulldogs found the board with an Aly Akers goal in the 13th minute, followed by a moon shot from Ellie Gilbert in the 39th minute. In the second half, Madison Haugen converted a penalty kick with late goals coming later from Olivia Briede and Caroline Smith. The Bulldogs earned their fourth shutout of the season despite only leading 14-13 in shots and allowing a season-high six corner kicks.

Approaching Milestones
Georgia head coach Keidane McAlpine is nearing a historic achievement, entering Thursday's match with 199 career victories, setting him one away from 200 in his outstanding career. Additionally, the program is nearing a milestone 300th victory in program history, standing at 293 wins entering the LSU matchup.

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 three assists, while leading the team in shots on goal. Against Alabama, the North Palm Beach, Florida native gave Georgia the tie with a 15th-minute equalizer. She followed that up with a career-high two assists in the first half against San Francisco.

Dawg Bites

Georgia remained in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week, tying with Virginia at No. 22. Coupled with their No. 24 ranking in the Top Drawer Soccer poll, the Bulldogs are ranked in both polls for the first time this season. Additionally, Georgia entered at No. 8 in the first NCAA RPI rankings, one of four SEC teams in the top 10.
The Bulldogs are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak, their second-such run under Coach McAlpine. The program record is nine, which has been accomplished three previous times.
In the San Francisco match, four Bulldogs tallied their first goals of the season: Aly Akers, Ellie Gilbert, Madison Haugen, and Olivia Briede. For Akers, it was her first career goal, while Briede scored her first goal as a Bulldog. Through eight matches, 10 different Bulldogs have scored a goal. Last year, the team tied a program record with 16 different scorers.
Senior goalkeeper Lauren Swoopes made her first career start in net against San Francisco, racking up her first two career saves in the win. Sophomore keeper Jordan Brown came off the bench for the middle portion of the match, making her first substitute performance in her career. Brown has now entered the program's top 10 in saves, shutouts, starts, and minutes, while currently holding the lowest goals against average in program history (0.65).
With her assist on Sunday, graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie is now tied for fifth in program history with 19 assists. She is also approaching the program top-10 in appearances with 83 matches.
The first 500 spectators at Thursday's match will receive a replica jersey from the 1998 season. During that campaign, the program's first graduating class led the Bulldogs to a program-best Sweet 16 appearance, defeating Virginia in four overtimes in the second round. Stephanie Yarem earned her second-consecutive All-America citation as the team set still-intact program records for points (159), goals (55), and assists (49).

Up Next
Georgia heads back on the road to face Missouri on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in Columbia. The Tigers topped Florida in its SEC opener and ranked 10th in this week's RPI rankings.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotions: Thursday's match is Throwback Thursday at the Turner Soccer Complex. The first 500 spectators will receive a replica jersey from the 1998 Sweet 16 team. Also, Georgia Soccer will be celebrating Clarke County School Night.
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.

No. 22 Georgia Hosts LSU in SEC Home Opener Thursday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Aly Akers

Olivia Briede

Jordan Brown

Ellie Gilbert

Madison Haugen

Mallie McKenzie

Caroline Smith

Lauren Swoopes

Nicole Vernis

University of Georgia Athletics