University of Tennessee Athletics
SOCCER CENTRAL: Tennessee vs. Georgia
September 30, 2015 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --Tennessee is back at home this Friday night to take on Georgia at 7 p.m. ET after picking up a pair of ties on the road last week.
Despite not earning a win last week, the Volunteers (5-1-5, 1-1-2 SEC) picked up two points in tough road contests at Mississippi State and Vanderbilt to remain unbeaten away from home this season. Julie Eckel posted her conference-leading seventh shutout of the year in Friday's game against the Bulldogs and freshman Katie Cousins scored her first-career goal in Sunday's rivalry game against the Commodores.
The Vols currently lead the SEC and rank among the top 10 nationally in a number of defensive categories. They rank eighth in goals against average (0.41), sixth in save percentage (.907) and are tied for fourth in shutout percentage (.727).
Tennessee enters Friday's match with a 13-8 all-time record against Georgia, including three straight wins in the series prior to last season's 2-1 loss to the Bulldogs in Athens.
Georgia (2-7-1, 1-3 SEC) has struggled this season after advancing to the NCAA Tournament last year. However, the Bulldogs are coming off a big upset win over No. 4 Texas A&M for their first conference victory and will look to keep that momentum going against the Vols.
Sophomore defender Mariel Gutierrez leads Georgia with six points so far this season while other scoring threats include Marion Crowder and Bella Hartley, who have two goals apiece. Goalkeeper Louise Hogrell has played every minute in goal for the Bulldogs this season and ranks third in the conference with 44 saves.
The Big Orange have had some trouble scoring as of late, netting only two goals in the past three games. However, the Vols will look to change that on Friday night as Georgia has allowed 21 goals this season, the most of any team in the SEC.
There will be no live stream or television broadcast for Friday's game but live stats will be available HERE. Also, the first 650 fans through the gates will receive a free Tennessee soccer calendar.
The Vols will have a week off before their next game, which will be on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. ET against SEC rival Florida at Regal Soccer Stadium.
