DAHLONEGA - A goal in the closing seconds broke a scoreless defensive battle as the No. 4 University of North Georgia women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to eighth-ranked Catawba on Wednesday afternoon at the UNG Soccer Complex.
 
Catawba's Ella Matthews delivered the decisive moment in the 90th minute, slotting home a low finish off a pass from Bree Ehmer at the 89:46 mark to give the Indians their 10th win of the season. The late strike spoiled a strong defensive effort from the Nighthawks, who limited the undefeated visitors (10-0-2) to just five total shots.
 
North Georgia (11-1-1) dictated the tempo for much of the match and generated the better chances in both halves, outshooting Catawba 12-5 and producing a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Nighthawks came inches from breaking through in the first half when Bailey Oetinger's 22nd-minute attempt rattled off the crossbar, followed minutes later by back-to-back saves from Catawba goalkeeper Jenni Dahne on efforts from Nina Lopez.
 
Lopez, who led UNG with four shots including two on frame, struck the woodwork again early in the second half, while shots from Alex Clark and Grace McGill narrowly missed the target as the Nighthawks continued to press forward.
 
Defensively, North Georgia's back line anchored kept Catawba's attack quiet for most of the afternoon. Goalkeeper Isabelle Lee made two saves in 90 minutes of play while organizing a disciplined defensive unit that frustrated one of the top scoring teams in the Southeast Region.
 
Dahne collected three saves to earn the clean sheet for Catawba, her seventh of the season. Matthews' goal was her third of the year and handed the Nighthawks their first loss since the season opener on Aug. 31.
 
The defeat ends North Georgia's 11-match unbeaten streak and marks the first time this season the Nighthawks have been held scoreless.
 
North Georgia will return to Peach Belt Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 18 when the Nighthawks host Middle Georgia at 4:00 p.m. for Senior Day.
 
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