UGA soccer opens the season with 4-1 exhibition win over Furman

From UGA Sports Communications

Greenville, S.C. --- The Georgia soccer team opened up the 2016 season with a 4-1 win over Furman in an exhibition at the Seagraves Field Stone Soccer Stadium.

"This was a very good start," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne.  "In preseason you play each other and you know everyone's style of play. When you come into an environment when you don't know the team very well and have to figure things out on the fly is very good for us. It took a lot of organization and communication and I thought we got better as the game went on."

The initial 20 minutes of the contest went back and forth with both teams taking shots early. The Bulldogs were first on the scoreboard after an impressive goal from Bria Washington put Georgia up 1-0. Mariel Gutierrez followed less than four minutes later with an unassisted goal.

Georgia led 2-0 at the half.

Georgia scored early in the second half with freshman Katie MacGinnitie making contact off a shot by senior Marion Crowder.  Furman got one past Louise Hogrell at the 70 minute mark.  Lauren Tanner sealed the win for Georgia with a goal off a low cross from Katie MacGinnitie.

"We have some training to do to prepare us for Sunday's match," Lesesne continued.  "We are trying to get in the rhythm of Thursday/Sunday, which we'll see in Southeastern Conference play quite often.  These two exhibitions are really going to help us.  We have a lot of film to break down and to see where we can get better."

Georgia hosts Georgia Southern for an exhibition match on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

Georgia officially kicks off the regular season next Friday night at 7 p.m. ET against Oklahoma State at the Turner Soccer Complex. The Bulldogs round out the weekend on Sunday facing Clemson on the road at 7 p.m.

On AirYour Georgia Country - North Georgia's Country Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about yourgeorgiacountry.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!