Jake Stanley
Assistant Sports Communications Director (Swimming & Diving | Soccer)
Despite a brace from graduate forward Hannah White, the 16th-ranked University of Georgia soccer team dropped its road opener to No. 5 North Carolina, 4-3, in front of 3,219 spectators Thursday evening at Dorrance Field.
Fast Facts
After controlling possession for much of the first half, North Carolina struck first in the 35th minute as Kate Faasse scored off a long assist from Makenna Dominguez. The goal was initially disallowed due to an offside call but was reversed following video review.
Despite only mustering one shot through the first 51 minutes of play, graduate forward Margie Detrizio scored Georgia’s first goal of the season as she deposited an equalizer into an open net. Detrizio’s goal was set up by a ball kicked into the 18 by graduate midfielder Dasia Torbert before being deflected by a Tar Heel defender.
The tie proved to be short-lived as Carolina sophomore Olivia Thomas scored twice in four minutes to build the lead back to 3-1 by the 65th minute. Just one minute later, graduate forward Hannah White narrowed the margin with a rocketing strike from the top of the box, her first goal of the season.
UNC created the match’s final margin with a goal by Bella Gaetino in the 71st minute off a free kick following a Georgia foul.
White closed out the scoring with another long-distance goal in the 90th minute, earning the second brace of her career.
For the match, UNC outshot Georgia by a 19-6 margin, although the Bulldogs scored on all three shots on frame. Junior goalkeeper Jordan Brown tallied nine saves on the evening, the second-highest total of her career.
Match Quotes
Georgia Head Coach Keidane McAlpine
On Thursday’s match…
“To be completely honest, it was disappointing. I didn’t think our effort and our energy met the level of the opponent. Anytime you come into a game, and you don’t give the proper energy and effort against a quality opponent and quality players, then you’re going to have a hard time winning the game.”
“There were some bright spots, obviously. Hannah’s goals were spectacular, and it leaves you understanding there was more left on the table and more we could give. It’s just disappointing that we didn’t give a better showing today because we’ve got a really good squad. We should’ve been better, but we’ll learn from this.”
Next Up
Georgia returns home to face in-state foe Kennesaw State on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. The match will stream live on SEC Network+ and admission is free to all spectators. Prior to the match, seven members of the Georgia senior class will be recognized in the annual Senior Day ceremony.
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