UGA vs. Tennessee – Last Time Out: The Bulldogs pulled off arguably the greatest upset in school history last Sunday against No. 4 Texas A&M. Goals from juniors Marion Crowder and Caroline Waters pushed Georgia past the Aggies 2-1.
Texas A&M came out firing early, but it was the Bulldogs who were first on the scoreboard in the 25′ when Crowder scored her second goal of the season. The score came after Lauren Tanner’s corner kick went off of the right post and into a crowd of defenders. After a scuffle for the ball Crowder drilled the shot into the back of the net to give the Bulldogs the 1-0 lead.
Nine minutes later the Bulldogs scored again off of another set piece, this time a header from defender Waters. The play started with a corner kick from Mariel Gutierrez, who perfectly placed the cross right in front of the Aggies’ goal. Waters timed it just right to redirect the ball into the net. The Aggies were able to score in the 61’, but solid defense from the Bulldogs for the remainder of the contest secured the victory.
The win marked the first victory over a top-5 opponent since Oct. 16, 2009 vs. No. 5 South Carolina and the highest-ranked team a University of Georgia team has ever defeated.
Looking at the Volunteers: Tennessee (5-1-5, 1-1-2) ranks near the middle of the pack in the SEC in most scoring categories, but it’s on defense where the Volunteers pride themselves. Tennessee ranks first overall in the conference in total goals allowed. The squad has only given up five goals through 11 games this season, with three of those coming in their 3-1 loss against Auburn.
The Volunteers are led on defense by senior goalkeeper, Julie Eckel. She ranks first in the SEC in goals against average (.42), saves (48), shutouts (7), save percentage (.906), and shutouts per game (.64). Tennessee ranks eighth in the nation with a save percentage of .902.
The Bulldogs hold an all-time record of 8-13 overall record against Tennessee. Georgia won last year’s matchup against the Volunteers, 2-1.