Georgia beats defending National Champions for first time in 7 tries.

[Top Row Dawg]

ATHENS, Ga. – Despite a nearly two-hour weather delay, the University of Georgia soccer team overcame the elements for a landmark 2-0 victory over 12th-ranked defending national champion North Carolina Thursday evening at the Turner Soccer Complex. After dropping the first six meetings in the series, Georgia (2-1-0) earned its first-ever win against North Carolina (1-2-0) with a second-half surge. Thursday's win marked the highest-ranked non-conference win at home since a 3-1 victory over No. 15 Clemson on Sept. 2, 2021. It was also only the 11th victory in program history over an ACC opponent.

The match's start time was delayed by forty minutes before the teams began play before a packed crowd of 1,802 spectators. After only 14 minutes of play, the match was suspended for an hour and 47 minutes due to inclement weather. Following the resumption of play, the Bulldogs and Tar Heels combined for only three shots, with freshman forward Mya Townes nearly scoring as her shot grazed the crossbar in the 42nd minute.

In the second half, Georgia ratcheted up the pressure resulting in the first goal from redshirt junior midfielder Summer Denigan in the 51st minute. North Carolina keeper Liya Brooks blocked the initial shot from senior forward Sage Glover before Denigan deposited the rebound for her second score of the season.

The Bulldogs sealed the win in the 72nd minute as freshman forward Lily Kate Elphick roped a shot off her left foot into the back corner of the net, set up by an assist from Denigan. Elphick's electrifying second goal of the season empowered the Bulldogs, who stopped the final three Tar Heel attempts, highlighted by a diving steal from freshman goalkeeper Hannah Folliard on reigning MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kate Faasse.

For the night, Georgia outshot North Carolina, 9-8, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on frame. Glover led all players with four shots, while Folliard tallied two saves for the first complete shutout of her career.

Georgia continues its five-match season opening homestand against Big Ten foe Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 12 p.m. at the Turner Soccer Complex. Prior to the match, seven members of the Bulldogs' senior class will be recognized. Admission is free for all spectators, and the match will stream live on SEC Network+.