Georgia’s golden goal near end of first overtime sends LSU soccer team to second straight defeat

September 26, 2021 Tiger Rag News Services LSU athletics, Soccer 0

LSU's Maddie Moreau (23) tries to maintain possession of the ball during Sunday's SEC contest which Georgia won, 2-1 in overtime. PHOTO BY: LSU Athletics.

LSU’s fifth-ranked soccer team fell for the second straight time, dropping a 2-1 decision in overtime Sunday to Georgia at LSU’s Soccer Stadium.

After winning its first eight matches of the season LSU (8-2-0, 1-2 in SEC) has lost two straight to Ole Miss and Georgia (8-2-1, 1-1-1 in SEC) which got a half volley from Mollie Belisle in the 100th minutes from 12 yards out past LSU goalkeeper Mollee Swift.

The Bulldogs scored the golden goal after Kayla Bruster intercepted a ball at midfield and played a perfect through ball to Belisle, who took a touch and hit a half-volley effort on her right foot across goal and into the bottom left corner.

“Two really good teams went out there for 100 minutes today,” LSU soccer coach Sian Hudson said. “Both teams created opportunities and I would say we had a few first-class opportunities that we didn’t capitalize on, and at the end of the day, if you don’t take those chances they could cost you. All credit to Georgia, they came here with a game plan, and their players played well. I am proud of our players for bouncing back from Thursday defeat by showing a lot of grit and heart today, and I think we’ll get back on the training ground this week and get after it again.”

Georgia scored the first game in the 13^th minute as Daniella Murguia converted from the penalty spot. LSU equalized in the 29^th minute as midfielder Rammie Noel scored the ball past the keeper on a rebound off Shannon Cooke’s free kick.

In the 12^th minute, midfielder Wasila Diwura-Soale fouled Abby Boyan in the box and the referee called for a penalty. Murguia stepped up the spot and slotted the ball into the left corner for a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers earned a free kick in the 29^th minute from the edge of the box. Cooke stepped up and drove a ground shot far post that was parried by Wegener. Noel timed her run to perfection and was able to pounce on the loose ball and drove the ball into the back of the net to equalize at 1-1 for the Tigers.

LSU outshot Georgia 23-17, with the Tigers registering 12 shots on target compared to the Bulldogs’ 8.