University of Georgia
UCF
Bulldog Comeback Not Enough In NCAA First Round
November 15, 2014 | Soccer
Highlights and interviews with Steve Holeman following Georgia's 2-1 loss to UCF in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Nov. 15, 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Georgia soccer team found one second half equalizer but not a second, falling 2-1 to 21st-ranked UCF in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday night at the UCF Soccer Complex in Orlando, ending the Bulldogs' season at 10-8-2.
Georgia fell behind in the first half, then drew even at 1-1 on the strength of junior forward Andie Fontanetta's first career goal in the 52nd minute. But when UCF added their second score later in the second frame, the Bulldogs could not overcome the deficit as the Knights held on for the victory to move into the second round.
Georgia's goal was just the second allowed all season by UCF at home, as the Knights improve to 11-0 on the year when playing in Orlando. Georgia was playing in its ninth all-time NCAA Tournament.
"In the first half, credit UCF - they came out firing on all cylinders," said head coach Steve Holeman, making his second NCAA appearance at the helm of the Bulldogs and the sixth of his career. "They were the better team at the start. I was really proud of the way our girls came out in the second half. It was a combination of courage, composure, and heart - they fought and battled back and were able to get the equalizer. At the end of the day, it wasn't enough, but I am really proud of the team and their fight."
Kayla Darden put UCF on top in the 31st minute on her fifth of the year as she finished a through ball chance to the right corner past Louise Hogrell, with Tatiana Coleman and Ashley Spivey earning assists on the play. The Knights ended up out-shooting Georgia 9-2 in the first frame as they took the one-goal lead into the break.
But Georgia would draw even less than seven minutes after the intermission, as Fontanetta followed a loose ball with a long strike from range, finishing it to the bottom corner to pull it even at 1-1. Shayna Raekelboom was credited with the assist on the play, as her tackle in the middle pushed the ball to Fontanetta for the score. It was the first score of the New Jersey native's career and came at a most opportune moment.
Kelsey Killean made a good run for Georgia moments later, but her pass attempt inside to a streaking Gabby Seiler down the left flank was just a step too far ahead of the junior's feet. Fontanetta would have another chance later in the frame, dribbling in from the right side before the keeper broke it up.
Georgia continued to threaten as the second half wore on, and had a good look at the go-ahead goal when Rachel Garcia sent in a cross to the head of Seiler, but her offering was high of the bar. Marion Crowder then had a hard cross inside from the right, and Garcia was there in the middle of a scrum in front, but ultimately it was the keeper coming away with it before the Bulldogs could tap it home.
With Georgia unable to finish on their second half chances, it would be UCF to find the net next, as Spivey finished from the top of the 18 at the bottom corner following a cross inside from Hannah DeBose.
Garcia had a long-range shot attempt saved later in the half, and the Knights held on for the 2-1 victory.
The second half saw each side take seven shots as Georgia was more dangerous in the attack after halftime. Seiler led Georgia on the evening with three shots, while Louise Hogrell earned four saves in goal and defender Josie Roebuck came away with an additional defensive save after clearing the ball off the line and over the bar during a dangerous UCF opportunity in the first.
The Knights (17-4-0) were able to avenge a 1-0 loss to Georgia earlier this season in Athens, and will advance to meet the winner of Wisconsin-DePaul in next Friday's second round game.
