Georgia Faces No. 9 Clemson Sunday in Athens

RV Georgia (3-1-1, 0-0-0 SEC) vs. No. 9 Clemson (6-0-1, 0-0-0 ACC)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)

MEDIA INFORMATION
TV / Live Stream: SEC Network (Alex Perlman, PxP / Michael Lahoud, 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: 3-9-0
In Athens: 1-4-0
In Clemson: 1-5-0
Neutral: 1-0-0
Last Meeting : UGA - W, 3-1 (Sept. 2, 2021 - Athens, Ga.)
Current Streak: UGA - W1
GF / GA: 13 / 22

QUICK KICKS
Tigers in Town
Before opening SEC play next Thursday, Georgia welcomes No. 9 Clemson to Athens for a major non-conference matchup and the Bulldogs' third ranked opponent of the season. The unbeaten Tigers have impressed in the early portion of the season, tying South Carolina in their opener and defeating SEC preseason favorite Arkansas in their last outing. Clemson is Georgia's second-most common non-conference opponent with 12 prior meetings, including a 3-1 Georgia win in 2021. Eventual SEC Forward of the Year Mollie Belisle scored twice as the Bulldogs earned their first ranked win since 2015.

Outlasting the Eagles
Georgia earned its third-consecutive shutout with a 1-0 win at Georgia Southern, needing only a 20th-minute penalty kick from Nicole Vernis. The redshirt senior midfielder tallied a career-high seven shots and five on frame while netting her first score as a Bulldog. Goalkeeper Jordan Brown notched her seventh career shutout with five saves, including an outstanding diving stop late in the first half off an Eagles free kick. The Bulldogs dominated the run of play once again, tallying over 20 shots for a third-straight match and a season-high 11 SOG while maintaining possession for 65 percent of play.

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.

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 Clemson 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.
Georgia is 3-0-1 this season when attempting 10+ shots. The Bulldogs have also topped double-digit shots on goal in consecutive matches for the first time since posting 14 and 12 against Presbyterian and College of Charleston in the 2021 season.
Junior defender Jessie Dunn remains the iron woman of the Bulldogs' roster, playing a full 90 minutes against Georgia Southern. Dunn has played 90+ in 11 of the Bulldogs' last 13 matches.

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 opens SEC play with a match against No. 12 Alabama on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. in Tuscaloosa. The matchup with the Crimson Tide will air live on SEC Network.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotions: Sunday's match is Barbie Night at the Turner Soccer Complex. The first 500 spectators in attendance will receive a Barbie-themed Georgia Soccer T-shirt. Sunday will also mark the first Parents at the Pitch event of the season as well as Madison 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.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Aly Akers

Christian Brathwaite

Jordan Brown

Jessie Dunn

Mallie McKenzie

Nicole Vernis

Hannah White