AUSTIN, TEXAS - Georgia defeated Texas 4-2 in a high-scoring NCAA women's soccer match on Thursday evening at Mike A. Myers Stadium. The Bulldogs (9-3-4) extended their winning streak to two games while dealing the struggling Longhorns (3-11-1) their fourth consecutive loss.
Virginia Odom opened the scoring for Georgia in the 29th minute with a right-footed strike to the high right corner. Texas responded through Ava McDonald in the 41st minute to level the match. The Bulldogs quickly regained the lead as Lily Kate Elphick found the net in the 42nd minute off an assist from BK Harris. McDonald struck again for Texas in the 45th minute, assisted by Cameron Byrd, sending the teams into halftime deadlocked at 2-2.
The first half saw both teams trading attacking opportunities, with Georgia holding a slight edge in possession. Summer Denigan tested the Texas defense early with a blocked shot in the 12th minute, while McDonald proved dangerous for the Longhorns with multiple attempts on goal. Hannah Folliard made a crucial save for Georgia in the 37th minute on a shot from Amalia Villarreal to keep the match even.
Georgia seized control after the break with two decisive goals. Elphick netted her second of the match in the 61st minute with another well-placed strike to the high right corner. Summer Denigan extended the lead just moments later in the 62nd minute, converting off an assist from Kiera Staude to make it 4-2. Texas pressed forward late but couldn't break through Georgia's defensive organization, with Molly MacMillan's 90th-minute attempt missing wide.
The final statistics reflected Georgia's attacking superiority, as the Bulldogs outshot Texas 11-10 while putting five attempts on target compared to the Longhorns' three. Georgia also held a slight edge in corner kicks (3-2). Both goalkeepers, Hannah Folliard for Georgia and Kendell Williams for Texas, recorded one save each in a match that featured plenty of offensive action.
Lily Kate Elphick's two-goal performance led the way for Georgia, while Summer Denigan contributed a goal and multiple threatening shots. For Texas, Ava McDonald's first-half brace kept the Longhorns competitive, with Cameron Byrd providing creative support in the midfield. Arianna Brothers anchored the Texas defensive effort despite the four goals conceded.
Georgia's tactical approach emphasized quick transitions and wing play, particularly in the second half when they found success exploiting space behind Texas's fullbacks. The Longhorns attempted to counter through direct play to McDonald and Villarreal but struggled to maintain consistent possession against Georgia's pressing midfield.
The victory strengthens Georgia's position in conference play as they continue their impressive form, having gone unbeaten in their last three matches. Texas's defensive struggles continued, as they've now conceded 11 goals in their last three games during their current losing streak.
Georgia's second-half execution proved decisive, with their ability to convert chances making the difference in what began as an evenly matched contest. The Bulldogs' combination of clinical finishing and tactical discipline ultimately secured three valuable road points.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, October 19, with Georgia hosting Auburn in a key conference matchup at 5:00 PM, while Texas travels to face Oklahoma at 3:00 PM looking to snap their losing streak.