GREENWOOD, S.C. — A late second-half goal led the University of North Georgia to a 1-0 win over Lander on the road in Peach Belt Conference play. A
Maysoon El-Shami penalty kick was the difference in a tightly contested match, giving the Nighthawks their third win in league play and seventh overall.
A scoreless first half came to a close, with neither side finding many scoring opportunities and neither goalkeeper having to make a save. The Nighthawks back line continued a string of success, specifically in the first half, shutting out their opponent in the first half once again.
After the halftime break, a scoreless draw ended as
Arielle Aronoff drew a foul in the box while on a one-on-one break against the goalkeeper. The Aronoff foul made way for veteran El-Shami to step to the penalty spot, placing the kick in the top right of the goal to give the Nighthawks the lead in the 54th minute.
Two saves for North Georgia by
Sierra Fowler followed in the remaining minutes of the half, but the back line and Fowler stood tall, holding off for the win, earning their seventh shutout of the season.
After playing eight games on the road, the Nighthawks will take a much-needed trip back to the UNG Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park for a home game. North Georgia will host USC Beaufort for the Sandsharks' first appearance in Dahlonega since joining the PBC and NCAA Division II. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 7), with the Nighthawks looking to continue their home unbeaten streak.
