The Georgia Bulldogs opened their 2026 women's soccer season with a 1-1 draw against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Sunday, playing in front of a modest crowd at Sanford Stadium in Athens.
Veteran goalkeeper Jordan Brown made her first appearance since tearing her ACL in November 2024, stopping seven shots and showing sharp reflexes that kept the Bulldogs in contention.
Midfielder Sage Glover converted a penalty just before halftime, striking the ball low to the left corner to give Georgia a brief lead, though Minnesota’s Sarah Martin later denied a left‑side blast that could have restored the advantage.
Minnesota responded in the 62nd minute when Davy Mokelke’s low‑corner effort beat Brown, and the goal was accompanied by an awkward moment for Assa Kante, who slipped and was subsequently substituted while picking up a yellow card early in the match.
A Milestone Match
The teams will meet again on Thursday for a home showdown against James Madison, a game that the Bulldogs hope will break the NCAA attendance record and honor the 30th anniversary of the 1996 U.S. women's national team's Olympic gold medal victory at the same venue.
Coach Keidane McAlpine, who had overseen a three‑game winless stretch before the season, praised the defensive effort and highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that Glover’s goal marked her first as a Bulldog from the penalty spot.