Soccer

Georgia Bulldogs Set NCAA Attendance Record with 6-0 Shutout of James Madison

Record crowd of 25,433 watches historic performance as freshmen shine

The University of Georgia women's soccer team turned Sanford Stadium into a sea of red and black on Saturday, drawing 25,433 fans to witness a 6‑0 demolition of James Madison. The crowd eclipsed the previous women's soccer attendance mark of 14,410 set in 1999 and stood just shy of the men's record of 22,512 from 1980, establishing a new NCAA Division I benchmark.

A night that rewrote the record books

The Bulldogs secured their first season victory and recorded their first 6‑goal win since August 28, 2025, when they edged North Florida. Sophomore forward Mya Townes opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and senior midfielder Honoka Hamano followed with a brace before halftime, extending the lead to 5‑0. Freshman defender Leila Avila capped the scoring in the 85th minute, sealing a dominant performance.

Debutants and first‑time scorers light up the scoreboard

Five newcomers made their collegiate debuts — Zoe Abegg, Mary Hartofilis, Lola Manuel, Victoria Saah and Kyra Swart — while five different players recorded their first career goals. In addition to Townes, Hamano and Avila, Mona Childs and London Crawford also found the net, with Crawford notching her first assist. The collective breakthrough signaled depth and potential for the squad moving forward.

Looking ahead to the next challenge

The Bulldogs are set to host Milwaukee on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET. Admission will be free, and the match will stream live on SEC Network+, giving fans another chance to experience the team's momentum. Senior Day will also recognize nine members of the 2026 graduating class, adding a sentimental layer to the upcoming contest.

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