Georgia Returns to Road to Face Georgia Southern Thursday

RV/NR Georgia (2-1-1, 0-0-0 SEC) at Georgia Southern (4-1-0, 0-0-0 Sun Belt)
Date: Thursday, Sept. 7
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Statesboro, Ga.
Site: Eagle Field at Erk Park (500)

MEDIA INFORMATION
Live Stream: ESPN+ (Danny Waugh, PxP / David Hulver, Analyst / LeeAnna Gaye, Reporter)
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
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
Heading Down South
Following a three-match home stand, Georgia returns to the road Thursday to face in-state foe Georgia Southern in Statesboro. The Bulldogs and Eagles have faced off six previous times, including last year's 4-0 season-opening Georgia win that was the first matchup between the schools in 17 years.

Thursday's meeting is the first in Statesboro since Sept. 6, 1995, the first road match in Georgia program history. The Eagles enter the match with a 4-1 record, including a 2-1 road win at Miami (Fla.). Georgia Southern was also picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt preseason coaches' poll after finishing first in the league last season.

This match is also the second of two consecutive matches against Sun Belt opponents for the Bulldogs. Georgia holds an 12-0 record all-time against SBC schools, outscoring them by a combined 62-2 margin.

Golden Afternoon
Then-No. 22 Georgia found its offensive footing with a 4-0 win over Southern Miss last Sunday in Athens. Graduate forward Hannah White set a new career high with two goals, both assisted by junior Aly Akers (the first two assists of her career). Graduate Mallie McKenzie and freshman Christian Brathwaite also scored for the Bulldogs, the first career goal for Brathwaite.

En route to its second-consecutive shutout, the Bulldogs outshot the Golden Eagles, 23-6, including a 10-4 advantage in shots on frame. The Bulldog defense has been impressive in the last three outings, allowing only one goal and just three corner kicks.

Approaching Milestones
Georgia head coach Keidane McAlpine is nearing a historic achievement, entering Thursday's match with 197 career victories, setting him three away from 200 in his outstanding career. Additionally, the program is nearing a milestone 300th victory in program history, standing at 291 wins entering the Georgia Southern matchup.

Dawg Bites

After ranking 22nd in the United Soccer Coaches poll and 25th in the Top Drawer Soccer rankings, Georgia fell out of both polls after last week's tie to Minnesota. The Bulldogs remain close to the top 25, ranking second in receiving votes in the United poll.
Sunday's match was the first this season with a goal in the first half.
Georgia is 2-0-1 this season when attempting 10+ shots and saving fewer than five opponent shots.
The Southern Miss match marked the first appearances of the season for junior defender Alyssa Stadeker and senior goalkeeper Lauren Swoopes, as well as the career debut for redshirt freshman goalkeeper Kenzie Solomon.
Overall, the Bulldogs played 22 players in the Southern Miss match - the most for Georgia since 23 saw the field last season at Kennesaw State.

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 contests with No. 22 UCF, No. 9 Clemson, No. 10 South Carolina, and No. 9 Alabama. 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.

Up Next
Georgia returns home for a highly-anticipated matchup against No. 9 Clemson on Sunday, Sept. 10 at Turner Soccer Complex. The meeting with the unbeaten Tigers is set for a 6 p.m. kick time and will air on SEC Network.

Georgia Returns to Road to Face Georgia Southern Thursday

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Players Mentioned

Aly Akers

Christian Brathwaite

Mallie McKenzie

Kenzie Solomon

Alyssa Stadeker

Lauren Swoopes

Hannah White

University of Georgia Athletics