10/15/2016 | Men’s Soccer

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Forward Eddie Hurst had a senior night for the ages scoring the first hat-trick in University of North Georgia men’s soccer history as the Nighthawks used a second-half comeback to down USC Aiken, 6-3, Saturday evening at the UNG Soccer Complex. North Georgia advances to 7-8 overall on the season and 4-2 in the Peach Belt Conference.

The first half ended in a 2-2 draw after North Georgia goals from Collin Maisch and Eddie Hurst were countered by USC Aiken goals from Adria Dalmau and Ryan Dwyer.

The score would remain 2-2 for much of the second half until the 78th minute with a Pacer goal from Ryan Dwyer made possible by a one-two dribble and pass from Jordan Misiri.

The Pacer’s didn’t hold the lead for long however, as the Nighthawks quickly struck back with four goals in less than seven minutes. The first goal coming in the 81st with a smooth shot into the upper left corner of the net from Eddie Hurst.

The Hurst goal was quickly followed by Matt Shaftoe‘s strike to the upper-90th in the 82nd minute. Hurst achieved his hat-trick just 20 seconds later in the 83rd with an unassisted breakaway goal.

The final goal of the night came from Daniel Bennett in the 89th minute with a shot launched from 35 yards out following a quick pass from Matt Shaftoe.

NOTES
– The hat trick from Eddie Hurst comes as not only a career first for the senior, but the first in UNG men’s soccer history as well.

– Jarrod Smalley earned his first career assists with two in tonight’s match against USC Aiken.

– With the win tonight the Nighthawks have surpassed the best season record since 2012 when the Nighthawks finished 7-7-2, overall on the season.

STAT OF THE DAY
12-6 – The Nighthawks out shot the Pacers with great accuracy, besting the opponent 12-6 in shots-on-goal.

NEXT UP
The Nighthawks will travel to Americus, Ga. on Wednesday, October 19, to take on Georgia Southwestern at 3:30 p.m.

– UNG Athletic Communications –