AIKEN, S.C. – Rafael Kawata scored twice, including the go-ahead goal early in the second half, as the No. 15 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's soccer team rallied for a 4-1 Peach Belt Conference victory over USC Aiken Saturday.
The Nighthawks (7-0-5, 3-0-4 PBC) fell behind in the 33rd minute when USC Aiken's Daniel Dalehaug scored to give the Pacers a 1-0 lead.
North Georgia answered just before halftime when Kawata found the back of the net in the 45th minute to send the teams into the break tied at 1.
Kawata struck again in the 63rd minute, giving the Nighthawks their first lead of the afternoon and his fourth goal of the season.
North Georgia added two goals in a 44-second span late in the match. Stanley Grand-Pierre scored in the 83rd minute off an assist from Kawata, and Maxwell Mitchell followed with his second goal of the season less than a minute later to put the Nighthawks ahead 4-1.
UNG finished with a 19-6 advantage in shots and put eight attempts on frame. The Nighthawks also held a 7-0 edge in corner kicks.
Aleksa Lukic made two saves in goal for UNG, while Mirza Zecic played the final 3:31 and recorded one save.
Kawata led the Nighthawks with five shots, including two on goal, while Grand-Pierre recorded two shots and Mitchell scored on his lone attempt.
The Nighthawks return to action Wednesday when they head to Greenwood, South Carolina, for a PBC road matchup at Lander. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
