AUSTIN, Texas — The 19th-ranked University of Georgia soccer team made history Thursday night, defeating the Texas Longhorns 4–2 in a thrilling, end-to-end contest before 1,093 fans at Mike A. Myers Stadium. The win not only marked the Bulldogs’ first-ever victory over Texas, but also gave them their fifth SEC win of the season — their best mark since 2022.

It was a statement road performance for head coach Keidane McAlpine’s squad, which showcased resilience, depth, and a flair for timely goals against a determined Longhorns side.

(Image: Georgia soccer celebrates after scoring against Texas. Alt text: “Georgia Bulldogs celebrate first-ever win over Texas at Mike A. Myers Stadium.”)

Odom Opens the Scoring in Her Return

Georgia drew first blood in the 29th minute thanks to redshirt sophomore defender Virginia Odom, who was making her first start since November 2023. After a corner kick from Mya Townes, Odom’s initial strike was blocked. Following a deflection from Millie Filson, Odom pounced on the rebound, burying her first career goal from eight yards out to make it 1–0 Bulldogs.

Texas equalized in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a Georgia mistake. Ava McDonald intercepted a misplayed pass and calmly slotted the ball into an open net past keeper Hannah Folliard, making it 1–1.

But the Bulldogs didn’t stay quiet for long. Just 40 seconds later, freshman forward Lily Kate Elphick unleashed a stunning strike from outside the 18-yard box, reclaiming the lead at 2–1. It was Elphick’s third goal of the season — and a sign of more to come.

Momentum Swings and a Second-Half Surge

As halftime approached, Texas fought back once again. McDonald, already with one goal, launched a 30-yard rocket into the net with 17 seconds left in the half, leveling the match at 2–2 and securing her brace.

Coming out of the locker room, Georgia looked refocused and relentless. In the 55th minute, Elphick struck again — this time curling a beautiful shot into the top right corner. Her second goal of the night made her the second freshman this season to record a brace, and gave Georgia a 3–2 advantage.

Six minutes later, redshirt junior midfielder Summer Denigan added the insurance goal, ripping a shot from the top of the 18-yard box off an assist from junior Kiera Staude. Denigan’s tally — her 10th goal of the season — made her Georgia’s first double-digit scorer since Mollie Belisle in 2021.

(Image: Georgia’s Lily Kate Elphick celebrates her second goal. Alt text: “Lily Kate Elphick celebrates her brace in Georgia’s 4–2 win over Texas.”)

McAlpine Praises Bulldogs’ Fight

After the match, Head Coach Keidane McAlpine acknowledged his team’s uneven start but praised their grit and mentality:

“Tonight’s one of those games where we didn’t play well from the beginning. We didn’t give the game the energy it needed, and we found ourselves in a battle when we didn’t need to be in one. But all credit to Texas — they can play and they fought hard. This group has a chemistry and fortitude about them that showed tonight. To recover, find two goals in the second half — that’s the sign of a winning team.”

McAlpine’s emphasis on character and teamwork has defined Georgia’s 2025 season, and this win reinforced the Bulldogs’ growing reputation as a program that finds ways to win even when they’re not at their best.

(Internal link: Read how Georgia’s late-game heroics have defined their SEC campaign)

Bulldogs Continue Their Climb in the SEC

With the win, Georgia improved to 9-3-4 overall and 5-1-2 in SEC play, maintaining their spot among the conference’s top contenders. The Bulldogs have now scored in eight straight matches, highlighting their offensive balance — from veteran leaders like Denigan to emerging stars like Elphick and Odom.

This victory also serves as a psychological boost ahead of their final stretch of conference play, where every point will be crucial for SEC Tournament seeding and potential NCAA Tournament positioning.

(Internal link: Georgia’s SEC Tournament outlook: what the Bulldogs must do next)

What This Means

Georgia’s win over Texas underscores three key takeaways:

Depth and versatility are driving success. With multiple goal scorers and contributions from all classes, McAlpine’s rotation continues to thrive.
Young stars are stepping up. Elphick’s brace and Odom’s return from injury show that Georgia’s future is bright — and ready for big moments.
Momentum is building. As the postseason nears, the Bulldogs are peaking at the right time, demonstrating the grit and composure needed for tournament play.

(External link: Check full SEC soccer standings on SECSports.com)

Next Steps

Georgia will return home to continue their SEC campaign with renewed confidence and playoff implications on the line. Expect McAlpine to emphasize early energy and tighter ball control as the Bulldogs prepare for another high-stakes matchup.

For fans in Athens and across Georgia, this team continues to be one of the most exciting stories in SEC soccer — combining youth, experience, and unrelenting belief.

Join the Conversation

Bulldog Nation — what was your favorite moment from Georgia’s 4–2 win over Texas?
Was it Elphick’s clinical brace, Odom’s inspiring comeback, or Denigan’s milestone goal?

Share your thoughts below or tag @AtlantaSoccerNews on social media with #GoDawgs and #GeorgiaSoccer to join the discussion.