MORROW, Ga. – Following a scoreless first half, it was a game of "he who scores last wins" as Clayton State (4-2-1, 1-1-0 PBC) delivered the game-winner with just over five minutes to play in a 2-1 victory over UNC Pembroke (4-3-1, 1-1-1 PBC) in an NCAA Division II men's soccer game on Saturday, September 26.

The Braves would get on the board first as Jordan Walshaw connected with Josh Phelps for the go-ahead goal at 61:55 but the Lakers would come right back just over seven minutes later. Senior midfielder Jonny Evans (Seaham, England) found senior midfielder Avery Shepard (Kennesaw, Ga.) for his fifth goal of the year, heading it in at the 69:01 mark.

The game would remain tied at 1-1 over the next 15 minutes before Clayton State would capitalize on a loose ball opportunity. Off of a corner kick, the ball ricocheted in front of the goal several times before being knocked away to the left side – right to the foot of junior forward Sekou Thornell (Atlanta, Ga.). He promptly buried it into the back right of the goal for a 2-1 lead with 5:14 to play. From there, the Lakers defense would not allow a single shot as they locked down their first Peach Belt Conference victory of the year.

Phelps led UNCP with their lone goal, assisted on by Walshaw, to account for the offense while Kenneth Perkinson logged all 90 minutes in goal. He made 10 saves and surrendered both scores to fall to 4-3-1 on the year.

Shepard and Thornell drove home the two goals to pace Clayton State and Evans picked up the only assist. In net, senior goalkeeper Viltsu Tuumi (Pori, Finland) made seven saves and allowed just the one goal in 90 minutes of action to improve to 1-1-1.

The Lakers are back in action when they head to Montevallo on Wednesday, September 30. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. (EST).