WHAT: Georgia vs. Boston College
WHERE: University of Connecticut Classic, Storrs, Conn.
WHEN: Today, 4:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Georgia 1-0-1, Boston College 0-1
OUTLOOK: This is a pivotal game for the Bulldogs, who are also receiving votes in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Top 25 poll and tied for sixth in the NSCAA Southeast Regional rankings. Boston College is No. 6 in the Northeast. With the expansion of the NCAA Tournament field from 48 to 64 teams this season, games like this will be critical for teams to make a statement against comparable opponents from other regions.
But Georgia will play today and Sunday (vs. No. 9 Connecticut) at less than 100 percent. Junior forward Jessica Winton sprained the MCL in her right knee and redshirt junior defender Ki VanOudenallen tore the ACL in her right knee Sunday in the Bulldogs' 0-0 overtime tie against Wake Forest. Georgia coach Sue Patberg said Winton will miss at least three weeks, while VanOudenallen will have surgery Monday and is out for the rest of the season.
Patberg said redshirt sophomore Andrea Velasco, who has been a defensive midfielder in the team's first two games, will have more responsibility to win balls in the air. Patberg also said freshman Kristen Allen, who played well Sunday against Wake Forest, will start if Georgia uses a four-back system. She said sophomore midfielder Ashley King will see more time up front as the Bulldogs try to compensate for losing Winton's creativity and skill at forward.
Boston College lost to the University of Massachusetts 4-3 in overtime in its season opener on Sept. 1. The Eagles, who held an 18-7 edge in shots, fell behind 3-0 before rallying.
"They have the ability to do what they want," UMass coach Jim Rudy said. "They're strong, they have good depth, they're athletic, they're fast and they all have solid skills and they all like to go forward."
Rudy said Georgia has to be prepared to defend against a team that may not have a visible impact player but will be ready to play 90 minutes.
BC junior forward Katherine Halloran, who was third on the team in scoring last season (10 goals, two assists for 22 points), scored against UMass, as did freshman midfielder Lindsey Fairweather and senior forward Meghan Moore, a first-team All-Big East performer last season.
-- Adam Minichino
