Clayton State spoils UNG’s home opener, 2-1

DAHLONEGA – An early second half goal by the visiting Lakers would be the difference as the No. 17 University of North Georgia men’s soccer team dropped its 2022 Peach Belt Conference home opener, 2-1, to visiting Clayton State at the UNG Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park.

Clayton State’s Isaac Pimenta powered a shot into the top right corner in the match’s 57 minute to provide the match’s final separation.

The Lakers opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Geo Rios found the back of the next after an assist by Alexis Iturria.

North Georgia equalized less than three minutes later when Santiago Gimenez converted a penalty kick.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Clayton State was one shot shy of doubling up the Nighthawks in the shot column, holding a 15-8 advantage.
• The physical game featured eight yellow cards including four for each side.
• UNG’s Hazel Ley tallied eight saves in goal matching his single highest turn aways of the year (8).
• The Lakers’ 10 shots on goal is the second time this season that the Nighthawk defense has allowed double figure shots on frame.
• CSU (2-2-2, 1-1-0) extends its series lead to 19-4-3 all-time.
• The match served as the Nighthawks’ annual Operation Nighthawks of Honor and Military Appreciation celebration.

NEXT UP
North Georgia (3-3-0, 0-2-0 PBC) wraps up the two-match home stand on Wednesday, Sept. 14 when the Nighthawks host Young Harris in the second contest of a Battle of Blood Mountain doubleheader. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.