The Jacksonville Dolphins women’s soccer team kicked off their 2025 season with a strong start, securing a convincing 4-1 win over Georgia Southern on the road. This victory in Statesboro, Georgia, on August 17 marked the Dolphins’ second straight triumph, boosting their record to 2-0 while showcasing their offensive firepower early in the campaign.
Explosive Start Sets the Tone
The match began with high energy as Jacksonville pushed forward right away. In the eighth minute, Laura Di Mascio nearly scored with a free kick that hit the post, setting an aggressive pace.
Just minutes later, Manuela Restrepo broke through in the 13th minute, scoring the opening goal and her third in recent play. Georgia Southern responded in the 31st minute to tie it up, but Jacksonville quickly regained control.
Alicia Rey Perez added to the lead in the 35th minute after a precise through-ball from Restrepo, racing past defenders for her second goal of the season. By halftime, the Dolphins held a 2-1 edge, outshooting the Eagles 7-6 with six shots on goal.
The first half highlighted Jacksonville’s depth, with multiple players contributing to the attack. This early dominance helped build momentum that carried into the second period.
Second Half Surge Seals Victory
Georgia Southern came out strong after the break, applying pressure and testing Jacksonville’s defense. The Dolphins stayed composed, weathering the storm without conceding.
Olivia Peal shifted the momentum in the 72nd minute, spinning past a defender and beating the goalkeeper for a 3-1 lead. This was her second goal of the year, proving crucial in breaking the Eagles’ push.
The final nail came from sophomore Georgina Spraggon, who scored her first career goal late in the game off a cross from Millie Urquhart. Jacksonville ended with 10 shots on goal compared to Georgia Southern’s six, demonstrating superior finishing.
This performance underlined the team’s resilience, turning a competitive match into a rout. Fans saw a blend of veteran skill and emerging talent shine through.
Key Player Performances
Several Dolphins stood out in this matchup, driving the team’s success.
- Manuela Restrepo: Scored the opener and assisted on another, showing her playmaking ability.
- Alicia Rey Perez: Added speed and precision with her goal, stretching the defense.
- Olivia Peal: Delivered a game-changing moment with her skillful finish.
- Georgina Spraggon: Marked her breakthrough with a debut goal, boosting team morale.
Goalkeeping also played a role, with solid saves keeping Georgia Southern at bay during their aggressive spells. These efforts reflect the squad’s balanced roster, which has now tallied 13 goals in two games.
Coach’s Insights and Team Outlook
Head coach Ryan Moon praised the team’s maturity in handling pressure. He noted how they stayed organized during Georgia Southern’s strong second-half start, eventually building back to secure the win.
Moon highlighted areas for improvement but expressed satisfaction with the squad’s depth and commitment. This win continues Jacksonville’s strong history against Georgia Southern, with just one loss in their last 10 meetings since 2005.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins face a challenging schedule, including a matchup against the University of Miami on August 24. This early success could set the stage for a competitive season in college soccer.
Match Statistics Overview
To break down the game’s key numbers, here’s a quick table summarizing the essentials:
| Category | Jacksonville | Georgia Southern |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 1 |
| Shots on Goal | 10 | 6 |
| Total Shots | 14 | 12 |
| Fouls | 8 | 10 |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
These stats show Jacksonville’s edge in efficiency, converting opportunities into points while limiting the opposition.
Broader Impact on College Soccer
This result adds to the excitement of the 2025 women’s college soccer season, where teams like Jacksonville are emerging as contenders. With scoring outbursts in their opening games, the Dolphins signal they could challenge for conference honors.
Nationally, trends show increased parity in women’s soccer, with road wins like this boosting team confidence. Fans are watching how such performances influence rankings and playoff prospects.
What do you think about the Dolphins’ hot start? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to fellow soccer enthusiasts.
