AMERICUS, Ga. -
Rhys Shirley scored in the sixth minute, and the University of North Georgia (UNG) men's soccer team held on for a 1-0 Peach Belt Conference victory over Georgia Southwestern on Saturday at Hurricane Field.
Shirley found the back of the net at the 5:08 mark of the first half, finishing a pass from
Max Garnett to give the Nighthawks an early lead. The goal was Shirley's fifth of the season, while Garnett recorded his fifth assist.
North Georgia's defense protected the advantage for the remainder of the match, limiting Georgia Southwestern to four shots on goal. Goalkeeper
Miguel Pineda made four saves to record the shutout, helping the Nighthawks withstand the Hurricanes' attempts to find an equalizer.
The Nighthawks finished with 11 shots, including five on goal, while Georgia Southwestern recorded 14 shots and four on target. North Georgia also earned three second-half corner kicks as it worked to maintain possession and protect its lead.
The victory moves North Georgia to 9-2-5 overall and 5-2-4 in Peach Belt Conference play. Georgia Southwestern falls to 3-7-4 overall and 0-5-4 in conference action.
North Georgia returns to action Wednesday with a road game against Middle Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Cochran, Georgia.
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