DAHLONEGA – The No. 7 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's soccer team continued to capitalize on its versatility as three different Nighthawks found the back of the net in Sunday's 3-1 victory over No. 9 Auburn-Montgomery at the UNG Soccer Field.
The scoring started quickly for the Nighthawks as a foul in the box led to North Georgia's first penalty kick attempt of the 2026 season. Isaac Calderon stepped up to take the attempt and fired the ball past the Warhawks' goalkeeper to give North Georgia a 1-0 lead.
The Nighthawks continued to control the momentum as a setup from Valen Bargagna led to a goal by Aram Lara in the 29th minute, doubling the North Georgia lead.
The Nighthawk defense held strong in the first half, allowing just three shots from Auburn-Montgomery. The Warhawks put one of those attempts on target, but Aleksa Lukic came up with the save. North Georgia registered seven shots in the opening half and took a 2-0 lead into the break.
Auburn-Montgomery worked to shift the momentum in the second half and found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to cut into the North Georgia lead.
Seven minutes later, Samuel Gomez restored the Nighthawks' two-goal advantage with his second goal of the season.
The Nighthawks outshot Auburn-Montgomery 11-9 in the second half and put eight shots on target compared to three for the Warhawks.
Lukic finished the contest with two saves. Lukic and the North Georgia backline also became the first defense this season to hold Auburn-Montgomery below two goals.
"As a defense we've stuck together all season," Owen Wallace said postgame. "We've fought for every ball, and it feels good."
The Nighthawks return to action Sept. 9, opening Peach Belt Conference play at home against Lander. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
