Spring Break
Women's soccer defeats Alabama in Tuscaloosa
CHRIS ANTHONY
Issue date: 10/27/08 Section: Sports
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First-half goals from senior defender Megan Tomlinson and junior forward Carrie Patterson put Georgia (8-9-1, 6-3-1 SEC) on its way to a comprehensive 2-0 road win in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"We are happy with the 2-0 win today on the road in conference play," head coach Patrick Baker told georgiadogs.com. "[Head coach] Todd Bramble has done a tremendous job here at Alabama and we knew they would be tough to play at home.
Carrie and Megan did a great job early and created a number of dangerous scoring opportunities. The two goals early helped us get some separation, but they had a number of good looks."
Patterson netted her team-leading sixth goal of the season and added an assist to move past Mandy Aiken for sole possession of the all-time points record at Georgia.
"It's awesome, and I'm glad I helped the team out today by getting some points on the board. That's all that matters," Patterson told georgiadogs.com. "I try not to think about records; I don't want to put any pressure on myself I don't need. It's in the back of my mind always but as long as I'm helping the team out, that's all that it really comes down to."
While the Bulldogs struggled to finish their chances in Thursday's 1-0 loss to Auburn, the team made the most of its chances early on, as the two first-half strikes were all Georgia needed for the win.
With freshman forward Ashley Miller out with an injury, Tomlinson, normally a central defender, moved up top to partner Patterson in the attack. The move paid dividends as the duo combined on both of Georgia's goals and gave the Alabama backline fits.
"With Carrie and Megan up top, there was a lot of movement out there," junior goalkeeper Michelle Betos.
Though the Bulldogs' offense came to life Sunday, the Georgia defense continued its run of solid games.
The Bulldogs have pitched three shutouts in their last four games and have allowed only two goals in their last six games.
"Our backline has been so solid the past few games," Betos said. "We're just peaking at the right time."
Having already clinched a spot in next month's SEC Tournament in Orange Beach, Ala., the win was pivotal for a team trying to get its record up to .500 before the tournament.
"In terms of getting a good ranking, it was a huge win," Betos said.
Georgia concludes its regular season Friday at Tennessee.
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