Cleveland, Tenn. – Despite jumping out to a lead in the first half, the No. 17 University of North Georgia women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2026 season 3-1 at Lee on Wednesday evening.
After a scoreless first 34 minutes that saw Kayleigh Marreel tested with a trio of saves in goal, the Nighthawks broke through on the other side of the field. Emma Moreau netted the second goal of her collegiate career with a left-footed strike past the Flames' keeper into the bottom left side of the goal to put UNG in front.
The Flames, who received votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, caught fire in the second half. All three of Lee's goals came in the final 45 minutes to defeat the Nighthawks.
With 33:44 remaining in the game, the Flames were able to draw contact in the box, setting themselves up for a penalty kick that evened up the score. Less than a minute later, Lee kept the pressure on with a goal from Sydney Clements to take its first lead of the game.
Lee struck while the iron was hot once again, finding the back of the net for the third and final time four minutes after taking the lead to push the advantage to 3-1.
The Nighthawks (2-1-0) were led by Moreau's goal and two shots, while Alli Treadwell tallied two shots of her own. Moreau is now the eighth different Nighthawk to score a goal this season.
The Flames (2-0-1) were victorious behind Clements, Aubrey Benfield and Megan Davis who scored the trio of Lee goals.
North Georgia will look to rebound this weekend back home on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. against Montevallo.
