Georgia Tops Campbell, 7-1, in Dominant Opener

Thursday, August 19

Athens, Ga.

7:35 p.m.

University of Georgia

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Campbell

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Campbell

Georgia

August 19, 2021 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score

ATHENS, Ga. – Powered by two goals in the opening three minutes, the University of Georgia soccer team opened the 2021 season in decisive fashion, defeating Campbell, 7-1, Thursday evening before 378 spectators at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Three Georgia players, graduate forward Mollie Belisle, senior midfielder Dani Murguia, and freshman forward Danielle Lewin, powered the team with two goals apiece, while senior midfielder Abby Boyan tallied a goal and two assists. The seven goals scored matched the previous program record for goals in a season opener, set in a 7-1 victory over College of Charleston on Aug. 25, 2000.

With two goals and an assist, Murguia became the first Bulldog to have five points in a game since Reagan Glisson against Charlotte in 2018. As a team, Georgia outshot Campbell (0-1) by a 23-4 margin, including a 16-3 margin in shots on goal. Lewin led all Bulldogs with five shots on the evening.

On the defensive side, the Georgia backline had a spectacular showing, holding last season's national leader in corner kicks to just two on Thursday, while the Bulldogs' attack had 10. In net, senior goalkeeper Emory Wegener posted two saves in a full 90 minutes of play.

"It was the best start after 90 minutes, but also the best start after three minutes," said Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne following the match. "You get two goals early in that match, it certainly sets the tone of the game. When Campbell pulled one back, we had an immediate response. We talked at halftime about, 'Let's make sure we don't give up another one,' and 'If we play and possess the ball and move it well, opportunities will come our way,' and the team managed the game really well."

The Bulldogs wasted little time in getting on the board as Belisle took a pass from Boyan and scored from 20 yards out in the second minute of play. On the next Georgia possession, Murguia took a foul in the box, resulting in a successful penalty that made the score, 2-0, just two and a half minutes into the match. After Campbell held off a couple of scoring attempts, Boyan scored her first goal of the season as she finished off a header from graduate defender Kayla Bruster that was set up by a Murguia free kick.

After holding the three-goal lead for much of the half, Campbell broke through as defender Laney Peabody converted on a corner kick in the 40^th minute. The margin would soon be restored as Lewin scored her first career goal, putting away a strike from the top of the box just before halftime.

In the 55^th minute, the Camels almost drew back to within two, but a tall strike collided with both the crossbar and Wegener's hand, keeping it out of the net. Later in the half, the Bulldogs started another scoring spree as Murguia found the net for a second time off a cross in the box from junior forward Mallie McKenzie. Belisle then garnered her second goal as she again took a pass from Boyan for a breakaway. Lewin finished off the night in the 85^th minute as she scored on an assist from senior defender Hale Otto.

Georgia will look to continue the momentum into a matchup against Gonzaga on Sunday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. Admission is free for fans and the match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.