There is one less unbeaten team remaining in NCAA women’s soccer thanks to Carrie Patterson, whose two goals lifted the Bulldogs (12-2-1, 5-2-0 SEC) past the previously unbeaten and 5th-ranked South Carolina 2-1 Friday night at the UGA Soccer Stadium.

The Bulldogs managed two goals against a South Carolina team that ranked tops in the nation in shutouts (11) and goals against average (.21), allowing just three goals through 14 games thus far.

Once again, the Bulldogs found themselves playing catch-up early after the Gamecocks pulled in front 1-0 seven minutes into the match. Defender Laura Eddy slipped inside the Bulldogs 18-yard box trying to clear a South Carolina through ball, leaving USC’s Kayla Grimsley with just the goalie to beat. Grimsley had no trouble slotting the ball into the right side netting.

Possession was fairly even for the remainder of the half, as both teams settled into a rhythm of counter-punching, mounting offensive attacks when the opportunities presented themselves.

The second half, however, was all Bulldogs. In the 52nd minute midfielder Alex Hooker was taken down from behind inside the South Carolina 18-yard box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and senior forward Carrie Patterson cashed in on the penalty kick, nonchalantly sending the ball straight into the bottom right corner.

The Bulldogs kept the Gamecocks pinned in their own end and in the 67th minute, Patterson found her second goal of the night. After a nice build-up, forward Ashley Miller dished the ball to an open Patterson about 12 yards from goal, who turned, firing a laser past the diving USC goalkeeper to put the Bulldogs ahead for good, 2-1.

“Ashley Miller played an awesome pass to me. She could have kept going but saw me running down the flank and I just cut it back and saw the goal and just took a shot,” said Patterson.

Patterson’s goal not only proved to be the game winner for the Bulldogs, her fourth game-winning goal on the season and 13th of her career, but also etched Patterson’s name once again in the Georgia soccer record books. Friday’s performance was Patterson’s ninth career multi-goal game, breaking the previous school record of eight.

Patterson’s goals Friday were her first since scoring on a penalty kick September 19 at Clemson.

“Carrie Patterson showed why she’s an All-American today,” said Georgia goal keeper Michelle Betos, who had seven saves. “Everyone across the board just played their hearts out and it’s just an awesome feeling and an awesome win.”

The Bulldogs face another ranked opponent, Sunday at 3 p.m., as the 11th ranked Florida Gators make their way to the UGA Soccer Stadium.