Gutierrez, Mexico draw with Nigeria in U-20 World Cup Opener

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA (UGA ATHLETICS RELEASE) – Georgia soccer incoming freshman Mariel Gutierrez helped her Mexico squad to an opening-game 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Wednesday evening in U-20 Women’s World Cup action at Moncton Stadium in New Brunswick.

Gutierrez – who will join her Bulldog teammates on campus after the tournament – got the start on defense. The squad is next in action on Sat., Aug. 9 vs. England and on Wed., Aug. 13 vs. Korea Republic as Mexico aims to advance out of Group C.

The Mexico City native was named to the 21-player U-20 roster last month following a strong showing at the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championships, where she was named to the tournament’s Best XI list in leading Mexico to a runner-up finish.

The U-20 World Cup is set to run through Aug. 24, with Gutierrez’s squad making its fifth consecutive trip and sixth overall.

The Georgia soccer team opened preseason camp on Wed., Aug. 6 and will play an exhibition scrimmage on the road at Clemson on Sun., Aug. 10.