CLEMSON, S.C. – The eighth-ranked Georgia soccer team won for the seventh time in eight games this season as the Bulldogs downed Clemson, 2-1, Friday at Riggs Field. For only the third time in school history and the first time since 1999, Georgia enters SEC play unbeaten.

It is the Bulldogs’ first five-game winning steak since 2007, and Georgia (7-0-1) is one win shy of tying six-game winning streaks in 2005 and 2007 for the longest under head coach Patrick Baker.

“It was a gutsy performance by our players,” Baker said. “Clemson came out in a different system than we thought and really kept things compact, and we really haven’t been good enough to face those types of systems. It was by no means our best performance, even though at times we were very good and very sharp. Still, if someone told us this is where we would be at this point, I think we would have all accepted that. We can’t be in a much better spot heading into SEC competition.”

Clemson (2-5) took the lead just 1:45 into the game on a goal by Maddy Elder. A shot by the Tigers’ Emily Tatum was saved by Michelle Betos, but Eldler took advantage on the second chance to give Clemson the early lead. It was just the second time all season and the first time since the Mercer game on Aug. 30 that the Bulldogs trailed.

Georgia got on the board just over 10 minutes later on an unassisted goal by Ashley Miller at the 12:22 mark. Lindsay Stein kept the ball in play on a corner kick, and Miller was open for her third goal of the season.

“To give up a goal so early on the road was an extreme wake-up call,” Baker said. “We didn’t panic and I thought we kept our composure. We started to get a hold of the game. Equalizing when we did was fantastic because so much more of the game was still left to be played.”

After Clemson had the edge early, Georgia controlled the ball for most of the final 35 minutes of the first half. The Bulldogs had seven first half shots, including two by Susannah Dennis, compared to five for Clemson.

Georgia took the lead in the 48th minute on a penalty kick by Carrie Patterson. After a solid buildup to spring Patterson, she turned and was pulled down in the box and was rewarded with the penalty kick. For Patterson, it was her team-leading sixth goal of the season and second via penalty kick.

Clemson had a chance to tie it a minute later, but Tatum’s shot was denied by Betos, who finished with five saves.

The Bulldogs had a pair of chances to add to their lead in the 75th minute, but Alex Hooker’s shot was saved, and Rebecca Perry’s chance was just high.

Clemson had limited opportunities late in the game, and the Bulldogs held on for their seventh win. Georgia outshot the Tigers, 15-10.

It was the second straight game Georgia played without injured All-SEC defender Bailey Powell.

“We never got down on ourselves after their first goal,” said senior Natalie Farley. “We knew we just needed to pick it up a little bit and pick each other up. No one can replace Bailey, but I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunity. My job is to keep the balls out of the back of the net.”

Georgia will take Sunday off before traveling to LSU and Arkansas to start a four-game SEC road trip.

“I think we’re well-prepared,” Miller said. “This was a big win away from home. We’re going to be on the road for the next four games, and I think our non-conference play helped prepare us for what’s ahead.”

“We were blessed with a great home schedule to start the season,” Baker said. “Now the task is going to be even greater next week. It’s the start of a new season for everybody. Our team is excited about where they are. Our goal is to win the regular season SEC championship, and step one starts next Friday. We have a lot of work to do.”

- Georgia Sports Communications