COCHRAN, Ga. -
Jorge Sandoval scored twice and the No. 22 University of North Georgia men's soccer team erupted for four second-half goals to power past Middle Georgia State 5–1 on Wednesday afternoon in Peach Belt Conference action at Nesmith Field.
The Nighthawks (5-3-4, 4-1-1 PBC) continued their midseason surge, earning three points behind another dynamic offensive showing which pushed their league-leading point total to 13.
Sandoval opened the scoring in the 18th minute, burying a chance after sustained early pressure from North Georgia. The finish gave the Nighthawks an early edge after outshooting the Knights 11 to five in the opening half.
Middle Georgia State (3-5-2, 0-5-1 PBC) briefly pulled even in the 61st minute when Moos Zwerts converted off an assist from Scott Osbourne. But the tie didn't last long. Just five minutes later,
Isaac Calderon curled home a shot from distance to restore the lead, his third goal of the season.
The Nighthawks seized full control from there.
Tyler Vitelli doubled the advantage in the 69th minute after a through ball from
Will Bentley and Sandoval struck again less than a minute later to make it 4–1. Freshman defender
Dominik Kosut added his first collegiate goal in the 87th minute to cap the scoring.
North Georgia dominated the match statistically, finishing with a 27 to seven edge in total shots and 11 to four in shots on goal. The Nighthawks also earned five corner kicks to Middle Georgia State's two while committing just eight fouls.
Goalkeeper
Mirza Zecic earned the win in goal with three saves in 90 minutes.
Sandoval now leads the team with four goals on the year, while Calderon and Vitelli each netted their third.
The Nighthawks return home Saturday, Oct. 11 to host Georgia Southwestern in a key Peach Belt Conference matchup at the UNG Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
