Kentucky Women’s Soccer Falls Short at Georgia, 2-1

ATHENS, Ga. – The Wildcats struck first early on, but two unanswered Bulldog goals in the first half resulted in the University of Kentucky women’s soccer team dropping a 2-1 decision to Georgia on Sunday afternoon at the Turner Soccer Complex in Athens.

Following the loss, the Wildcats fall to 6-7-2 (0-6) on the year while the Bulldogs move to 10-3-1 (3-2-1). 

Kentucky jumped out to an early lead five minutes into the first frame. An attempt by Hannah Richardson was stopped by Georgia’s goalkeeper but found its way back to Richardson, who sent a short pass to Jordyn Rhodes at the top of the box. Rhodes then tapped it into the bottom center of the net for her 10th goal of the season.

Molly Belisle responded with the equalizer three minutes later before she gave the Bulldogs the lead in the 17th minute. UK continued to press throughout the first half — firing off four more shots on target — but went into the break trailing by one. 

UK struggled to find its rhythm throughout the second 45 minutes, taking just three shots to Georgia’s 15. The Bulldogs applied pressure on the Wildcats’ back line during the entirety of the second half but were unable to convert any of their eight attempts on frame. 

Laura Nielsen recorded a total of nine saves, including eight in the second half, just two shy of her career-high 11. Emory Wegener concluded the match with four saves for Georgia.

The Wildcats return home to host LSU on Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff. The match will also serve as Senior Day. 

For the latest on the Kentucky women’s soccer program, follow @UKWomensSoccer on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook, and on the web at UKathletics.com.