DAHLONEGA – The No. 2 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's soccer team turned a scoreless halftime deadlock into a two-goal victory, earning its first Peach Belt Conference win of the season with a 2-0 result over USC Aiken Saturday afternoon at the UNG Soccer Field.
North Georgia controlled the pace from the opening whistle, putting 10 shots on goal in the first half while holding the Pacers without a shot. USC Aiken goalkeeper Sean Simoncelli kept the game scoreless at the break with five saves.
The Nighthawks broke through just five minutes into the second half when
Isaac Calderon found the back of the net off an assist from
Valentino Isaza to give North Georgia the lead.
UNG continued to apply pressure, doubling its advantage in the 66th minute.
Valen Bargagna finished a chance set up by
Aram Lara to make it 2-0.
The Nighthawks outshot USC Aiken 15-4 in the second half and added five shots on goal, finishing the match with a commanding 25-4 advantage in shots.
Miguel Pineda and the North Georgia defense kept the Pacers off the scoreboard throughout the afternoon. USC Aiken managed just one shot on goal, which Pineda saved to secure his clean sheet.
With the victory, North Georgia improves to 5-0-2 (1-0-1 PBC).
The Nighthawks hit the road for the first time this season Wednesday, Sept. 16, against Clayton State in Morrow, Georgia. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
