DAHLONEGA – A year after the University of North Georgia men's soccer team defeated Lee on the road in an early season matchup, the Flames got their revenge on Thursday night at the UNG Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park, spoiling the Nighthawks' season opener, 3-0.
It was a competitive match early on, with both squads testing each other. The 37th minute marked the beginning of an aggressive push from the Flames, leading to three consecutive shots in just the 38th minute.
As the clock reached the 40th minute, a ball sent in from a corner bounced around on the North Georgia side without proper clearance for a bit too long, and Matias Siems found his way to a clear shot. He put his foot into it and sent a line drive past Cooper Bowen.
Lee scored two goals in eight seconds in the second half. Mattia Balzano chipped one in from close range in the 53rd minute, then Eemeli Makela converted a penalty kick just eight seconds later to make the lead 3-0. The Flames then held UNG to just two more shots the rest of the game to seal the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Lee had 14 more shots than UNG, including a 9-1 advantage in shots on frame.
• The Flames midfielder, Eemeli Makela, had five shots in the game placing three on goal.
• Cooper Bowen had five saves in the contest.
NEXT UP
The Nighthawks head on the road to face Alabama-Huntsville before returning home for a home game against the University of Mount Olive.
