University of Georgia Athletics
University of Georgia
Southern California
Georgia Falls to USC 3-0
September 02, 2016 | Soccer
BOX SCORE
AUBURN, Ala. --- Georgia soccer (2-2-1) drops a 3-0 decision to USC (2-2) Friday evening in game one of the Auburn Soccer Classic.
"Physically, at times, we were not quite up to the challenge," Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne said. "We competed well and created opportunities. They only had five shots on goal and they scored three of those shots. We had nine on goal and just didn't finish our chances. It was one of those games with missed opportunities, but we battled as a team."
The first opportunity came to the Trojans in the seventh minute of play when the team entered Georgia's box, but Delaney Fechalos cleared the ball to alleviate potential trouble.
Lauren Tanner took the first shot of the game in the 13th minute, which soared just high of the net.
Georgia's Caroline Waters and Summer Burnett were crucial for eliminating chances for the Trojans early before the Trojans scored on a breakaway that drew Louise Hogrell out of the net, leaving opportunity for USC's Alex Anthony.
USC had an opening to extend its lead in the 31st minute after Caroline Waters drew a yellow card, but the penalty kick hit the top of the crossbar.
The Trojans were successful in their attempt in the 34th minute to go up 2-0 on the Bulldogs.
Georgia came back onto the pitch kicking, taking five shots in the first 15 minutes of the second half compared to the four shots from the Bulldogs in the first 45 minutes of play. In total, USC took 17 shots, five on goal, while the Bulldogs took 13 with nine on goal.
USC scored its final goal of the game in the 80th minute to secure a 3-0 victory.
"It's disappointing because it didn't feel like it was a three-goal difference," Lesesne continued. "We will take the positives out of it and grieve the missed opportunities a bit in order to bounce back on Sunday."
Georgia will face Iowa State on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET in the Auburn Soccer Classic.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA SOCCER: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
