The University of Georgia women’s soccer team is dancing again — and this year, they’re making history.
For the first time ever, Georgia Soccer has earned four consecutive NCAA Tournament bids, securing the No. 8 seed in the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. The No. 19-ranked Bulldogs (10-4-6, 6-1-3 SEC) will host Ohio State on Friday, Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. ET at Turner Soccer Complex in Athens.
This opening-round matchup marks the fourth-straight NCAA tournament game hosted in Athens — a milestone that cements Georgia’s rise as one of the SEC’s elite programs. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ (subscription required) or cheer from the stands with $10 general admission tickets, available online or at the gate.
Bulldogs’ Path to the Big Dance
Georgia enters the tournament following one of its most successful regular seasons in school history, finishing third in the SEC and reaching the SEC Tournament semifinals. Along the way, the Bulldogs delivered statement wins — including their first-ever victory over defending national champion North Carolina and a 2-1 upset over SEC powerhouse Arkansas, handing the Razorbacks their only conference loss.
Head coach Keidane McAlpine, now in his fourth season, has helped transform Georgia into a consistent postseason contender. The Bulldogs’ home-field advantage could play a major role in their pursuit of another deep run.
“Hosting again is a reflection of the consistency and culture this team has built,” McAlpine said after the bracket reveal. “We’ve proven we can compete with anyone.”
Key Players to Watch
Georgia’s rise has been fueled by a blend of veteran leadership and breakout stars:
- Summer Denigan — The redshirt junior midfielder and First Team All-SEC honoree leads Georgia with 11 goals, becoming the first Bulldog to score in double digits since Mollie Belisle (2021).
- Cate Hardin & Kiera Staude — The defensive duo earned Second Team All-SEC honors, helping anchor a backline that recorded seven shutouts this season.
- Hannah Folliard & Mya Townes — Both were named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, signaling a bright future for the program.
Georgia’s offensive balance and defensive toughness make them one of the most dangerous mid-seeds in the national bracket.
Georgia’s NCAA Tournament Legacy
This marks Georgia’s 13th NCAA Tournament appearance and its ninth time hosting a postseason match. The Bulldogs are 9-11-2 all-time in NCAA play and have earned home tournament wins over Wake Forest (1997), Alabama A&M (2007), Samford (2022), and Liberty (2023).
Last year, Georgia’s run ended in heartbreak — a 3-2 first-round loss to Colorado — just one season after reaching the Sweet 16 in 2023. This year’s squad, however, feels different: more balanced, more resilient, and far more confident at home.
First-Round Matchup: Georgia vs. Ohio State
The Bulldogs face Ohio State (8-4-6, 4-2-5 Big Ten) in their first-ever meeting. Under longtime coach Lori Walker-Hock, the Buckeyes bring a stingy defense that allowed just 11 goals all season — the fewest in the Big Ten.
- Key Player: Goalkeeper Molly Pritchard, the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, leads Ohio State with a school-record 30 shutouts.
- Top Scorer: Forward Mandy Schlueter (8 goals, 4 assists) headlines the Buckeyes’ attack.
- Tactical Edge: Ohio State is built on defensive structure and counter-attacking efficiency, while Georgia thrives in transition and set-piece situations.
If Georgia advances, they’ll face the winner of No. 1 Notre Dame vs. UIC in the second round on Nov. 17.
Matchday Details
Venue: Turner Soccer Complex, Athens, GA
Kickoff: Friday, Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. ET
Tickets: $10 General Admission
Watch: Live on ESPN+
Gates Open: 1 hour before kickoff
Tickets available through the UGA Ticket Office or on-site on matchday.
What This Means for Georgia Soccer
Georgia’s sustained presence in the national tournament reflects not just athletic success, but the evolution of women’s soccer in the South. The Bulldogs are now a flagship program for the SEC — combining elite talent development with a passionate local fan base.
Their continued success also feeds into Georgia’s growing soccer ecosystem, which includes:
- Atlanta United’s rise in MLS
- U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters relocating to Atlanta
- Expanding college and youth programs across the state
As Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local stories like this underscore how the Peach State has become a true soccer hub in the U.S.
“Georgia soccer is on the map,” said McAlpine. “We’ve built something lasting — and this is just the beginning.”
Next Steps: Bulldogs Nation, Show Out
The path to another deep postseason run starts in Athens. Georgia fans are encouraged to pack Turner Soccer Complex on Friday and make it a true home-field advantage.
Join the Conversation:
Will Georgia advance to the second round? Who’s your player to watch?
Comment below or tag @AtlantaSoccerNews on X and Instagram with your predictions.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.