University of Minnesota Athletics

Thursday, August 31
Athens, Ga.
5:00 PM

University of Minnesota

at

Georgia

team, celebration
Photo by: Kelly Hagenson

Gophers Face No. 22 Georgia on the Road, St. Thomas at Home

8/30/2023 9:01:00 AM | Soccer

Minnesota faces No. 22 Georgia in Athens on Thursday, St. Thomas at home on Sunday

Minnesota (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Georgia (1-1, 0-0 SEC)
Date: Aug. 31, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @UGASoccer

Minnesota (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. St. Thomas (2-1-1, 0-0 Summit League)
Date: Sept. 3, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
Site: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium
Twitter: @gophersoccer, @TommieWSoccer

Scouting Georgia
Last weekend, the University of Georgia Bulldogs clinched its first win of the season over No. 22 UCF in a thrilling victory. The Knights led the majority of the match, until the final ten minutes when freshman Caroline Smith tied things up off a shot block deflection. In the final minute, graduate Hannah White scored to secure the 2-1 win. For her efforts, Smith earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors. The win over UCF improved Georgia's record to 1-1 after falling to No. 1 UCLA, 2-0, during opening weekend. 

The Golden Gophers and Georgia Bulldogs have met twice before, in 2011 and 2009. Georgia holds a 2-0 record over Minnesota.

Scouting St. Thomas
The Tommies return to the Twin Cities following a brief trip to the West Coast. St. Thomas picked up a 4-0 over Portland State and settled for a scoreless draw against Western Oregon. With back-to-back clean sheets, junior goalkeeper Olivia Rowe earned Summit League Defensive Peak Performer of the Week accolades. Rowe has not allowed a goal in 305 minutes this season, and has made 18 saves.

Georgia-Minnesota Connection
Current Emory head coach Sue Patberg (Montagne) previously coached at Georgia and Minnesota. Patberg has the distinction of being Minnesota's first-ever coach of the program and amassed a record of 97-42-9. Patberg saw five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1995-99 and was named  Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1997.

Patberg led Georgia from 2000-2004 and held a 49-45-9 record. She led the Bulldogs to two NCAA Tournament appearances and in her first year as head coach, she saw her team reach the finals of the SEC Conference Tournament. 

Tactful Transfers
All four of Minnesota's transfers have already made an appearance this season. Combined, the four have totaled 849 minutes. Megan Nemec leads the Gophers in goals (3) and points (7). In the backline, Jordy Rothwell and Jelena Zbiljic have been mainstays, allowing only 11 shots. Rothwell also recorded a goal against New Hampshire in a 4-0 win at home. Goalkeeper Cam Xu made an appearance against Niagara off the bench.

First of Many
Freshman forward Paige Kalal scored her first career goal against Marquette on Sunday. Kalal finished to the near post off a free kick in the 85th minute to give the Gophers the insurance it needed to secure the win over the Golden Eagles. 

Hot on Offense
Minnesota's offense is ready to strike this weekend. Against opponents, the Gophers lead in goals (11-2), shots (84-11), and corners (34-10).
2025 Season Highlights
Thursday, October 30
Play in Focus: Sarah Martin
Tuesday, October 21
Highlights: Gophers 0, Oregon 0
Sunday, October 19
Highlights: Gophers 2, Washington 3
Friday, October 17