The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: DANIEL SHIREY Junior midfielder Lauren Glancy and the Bulldogs look to post a win against Duke. [Click to enlarge]

Patrick Baker talks about the trip to North Carolina.

After last Friday's heartbreaking loss to Southern California, the soccer team is looking for revenge.

Which is not good news for this weekend's opponents, No. 3 North Carolina and No. 11 Duke.

The Bulldogs (2-4) know that results this weekend are imperative if they want to avoid a four- or five-game losing streak.

However, the Bulldogs have a bone to pick with Duke as the Blue Devils knocked Georgia out of last year's NCAA tournament after winning 1-0 at the UGA Soccer Complex.

"Going into Duke, I think we're all looking for revenge from last year," said junior goalkeeper Michelle Betos.

Despite the loss against Duke last year, head coach Patrick Baker said he felt the Bulldogs could have won the game. However, Georgia knows what to expect this time around, and the Bulldogs are gunning for a win.

"Because of the game last year in the NCAA tournament, there is a slight difference between Duke and North Carolina," Baker said. "That's one [game against Duke] on Sunday that we really have to be prepared for, and we need a result now."

Although the team has spent much time preparing for Sunday's game against Duke, today's game against North Carolina will be a difficult test as well.

North Carolina head coach Anson Dorrance has been at the helm of the Tar Heel soccer program for 30 years. During that time, he has steered the North Carolina women's team to 19 national titles, including 18 NCAA titles. Dorrance also coached the U.S. women's national team during their 1991 Women's World Cup triumph.

The Bulldogs will face an uphill battle if they want to obtain a result against North Carolina's storied soccer program.

"Not too many people beat North Carolina, period … but what a wonderful opportunity for our team to compete and play against them," Baker said.

Despite the tough competition, the Bulldogs know that results are vital at this juncture in the season. And coming off a three-game losing streak, they are champing at the bit to post some wins.

"We're excited to go play North Carolina and Duke," said junior forward Carrie Patterson. "Everyone just wants a win, so that's what we're going to go up there and do."

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