McDonald shines in Soccer’s 4-2 loss to No. 19 Georgia

Thursday, October 16

Austin, Texas

7 p.m. CT

University of Texas

3-11-1, 1-7-0

Georgia

9-3-4, 5-1-2

Georgia

Texas

McDonald shines in Soccer’s 4-2 loss to No. 19 Georgia

10.16.2025 | Soccer

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Forward becomes first Texas freshman with three braces since Trinity Byars in 2021

AUSTIN, Texas — Despite a first-half brace from Ava McDonald, Texas couldn't contain No. 19 Georgia in a 4-2 defeat Thursday night at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

McDonald kept the Longhorns (3-11-1, 1-7 SEC) in a battle with the Bulldogs (9-3-4, 5-1-2) through the intermission, but Lily Kate Elphick stole the show to secure Georgia's fifth conference victory for the first time since 2022.

Elphick notched her first career brace, highlighted by the game-winning strike in the 61^st minute. The 5-foot-9 forward also buried a shot from outside the box to put the Bulldogs ahead, 2-1, in the closing minutes of the first frame.

Virginia Odom and Summer Denigan bookended the scoring for the visitors. Odom opened the match by recording her first career goal in the 29^th minute. Meanwhile, at the 61:35 mark, Denigan added insurance with her 10^th tally of the season.

In the defeat, McDonald became the first Longhorn rookie with three braces since Trinity Byars in 2021.

The Allen, Texas, native capitalized on an errant pass to maneuver past Georgia keeper Hannah Folliard for the empty net goal.

After Elphick pushed the Bulldogs back in front, McDonald delivered a highlight-reel worthy rocket from over 30 yards out with 18 seconds remaining in the half.

Through 15 contests, the 5-foot-6 forward paces all SEC freshmen with eight goals and 19 points.

Up next, the Longhorns conclude their road slate, as Texas travels to face rival Oklahoma on Sunday at Jim Crain Field. The Red River Rivalry kicks off at 2 p.m.