WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In its second exhibition game of the spring, the Georgia Bulldog soccer team saw an improved effort in each segment of the field as Georgia posted a 1-0 victory over Wake Forest Saturday afternoon at W. Dennie Spry Stadium.

After a 1-0 defeat to Florida State on Feb. 28, Georgia hit the road for the first of four road dates. Georgia returned to the field where its 2008 season ended, a 1-0 NCAA Tournament loss to James Madison. This time, head coach Patrick Baker and crew left Winston-Salem with a win in hand.

“It’s great to play another game this spring and have it be against a quality opponent like Wake Forest,” Baker said. “We got better today as the game went on and played some of our best soccer in the second half of the game. We looked at some different players in various positions and I thought they all responded well. The young ladies showed improvement from our game against Florida State and hopefully that only continues for the rest of the spring. We closed the game well today and I look forward to another good week of training.”

Like Georgia’s first game of the spring, the match was divided into three, 30-minute segments. With each period against the Demon Deacons, the Bulldogs were much crisper in their play and it showed during the course of the match.

Georgia’s goal came by way of a corner kick off the foot of Leslie McConnell in the 70th minute. Her service found the head of Caroline Simpson, who then knocked it down to Carrie Patterson for the game-winning strike with 20 minutes left to play.

Neither team could crack through in the first two periods. In the opening 30 minutes, play was mostly even as each squad created a few chances at net.

Georgia had a couple one-on-one chances at goal, but only Marah Falle’s attempt could reach net.

Georgia inserted a different lineup into the match to start the second period, and that group brought greater energy to the match, Baker said.

While the Georgia offensive front created more good looks at net and the midfield was smarter in possession, Baker said the backline of Leslie McConnell, Jamie Bouck, Bailey Powell and Mary Ricker, along with Natalie Farley, was effective in limiting Wake’s offensive opportunities.

Ashley Baker got the start in goal for the Bulldogs and was relieved of duty by Michelle Betos midway through the contest. The duo also split time in net against Florida State.

- Georgia sports communications