Georgia sets NCAA Division I soccer attendance record with over 25,000 fans at UGA’s football stadium

ATHENS, GA – The University of Georgia soccer team set a new NCAA Division I soccer attendance record of 25,433 spectators during a 6-0 victory over James Madison on Thursday night on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.

The new NCAA DI soccer attendance record shattered the previous record for a women’s match of 14,410 spectators set in 1999, as well as the record for a men’s match of 22,512 spectators set in 1980.

The result also marked the Bulldogs’ first victory of the season, and the first time Georgia netted six or more goals in a match since it defeated North Florida by a 6-0 margin last season on Aug. 28, 2025.

Sophomore forward Mya Townes opened the scoring in the eighth minute slotting a left-footed shot past the Dukes’ goalkeeper. Senior midfielder Honoka Hamano doubled the advantage in the 22^nd minute off an assist from graduate forward Emma Pettersen before sophomore forward Ava Stack scored the Bulldogs’ third goal of the first half in the 34^th minute.

After leading 3-0 at halftime, Hamano secured her first career brace off an assist from sophomore defender Grayson Rogers to make it 4-0. Sophomore midfielder Mona Childs stretched the lead to five off assists from freshman midfielder London Crawford and sophomore forward Hailey Gordon in the 83^rd minute before freshman defender Leila Avila closed the scoring in the 85^th minute.

All five goal-scorers scored their first goals of the season in the game while Avila’s and Childs’ goal marked the first of their collegiate careers.

Moreso, Crawford tabbed her first assist of her collegiate career while five players – Zoe Abegg, Mary Hartofilis, Lola Manuel, Victoria Saah and Kyra Swart – made their collegiate debuts.

The Bulldogs take the pitch again on Sunday, August 23 against Milwaukee back at the Turner Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for noon ET, and the nine members of the 2026 Bulldog senior class will be recognized for Senior Day. Admission is free for all spectators, and the match will stream live on SEC Network+.