Geo RIos
Dave Williamson
Geo Rios looks to pass the ball. (Credit: Dave Williamson)
1
North Georgia UNG (0-1-0, 0-1-0 PBC)
2
Winner Clayton St. CST (1-0-0, 1-0-0 PBC)
North Georgia UNG
(0-1-0, 0-1-0 PBC)
1
Final
2
Clayton St. CST
(1-0-0, 1-0-0 PBC)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
North Georgia UNG 0 1 1
Clayton St. CST 1 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Chuck Tidmore: Sports Information Director

Men’s Soccer Defeats North Georgia 2-1 In Season Opener

NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Clayton State 2 – North Georgia 1
Records: Lakers (1-0-0, 1-0-0 PBC) Nighthawks (0-1-0, 0-1-0 PBC)
Series History: Clayton State leads 22-3-3
 
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – Playing with just 15 available players on a frigid and windy evening, the Clayton State men's soccer team opened its season with a 2-1 decision over Peach Belt Conference rival North Georgia Monday night.
 
It was the first time the Lakers (1-0-0, 1-0-0 PBC) had played a counting game since November 15, 2019. With several players out due to COVID protocols and injury, Clayton State stepped up and controlled most of the match.
 
"We are so happy to be back in the saddle," head coach Pete Petersen said. "The fellas played well after 15 months of not getting after it. We had a few subs, but have been training hard and it showed tonight."
 
Junior Brad Kay scored the game's first goal in the 13th minute off a Geo Rios corner kick. The Englishman was able to clear the defenders and placed a brilliant header past the keeper to give the Lakers an early advantage.
 
Clayton State managed to keep the lead and went into halftime with the one-goal advantage.
 
Monday's game was played at MOBA Soccer Complex due to severe rain that impacted Laker Field on Sunday.
 
"It's always a battle with North Georgia," Petersen said. "Coach Parris always has his players switched on. That's a quality squad."
 
North Georgia (0-1-0, 0-1-0 PBC) turned the intensity up to start the second half and tied the game just 1:32 into the half.
 
The Lakers responded in the 51st minute as freshman Alexis Iturria scored his first collegiate goal off an assist from Rios. The Lovejoy, Ga. native finished with four shots, three being on goal.
 
Rios had a game-high six shots and added two assists.
 
Clayton State held the advantage for the remainder of the game and held off several UNG chances.
 
Keeper Theo Blachon made four saves in the win.

COMING UP:
- Clayton State returns to action on Monday, February 8, at Georgia Southwestern.
- The Lakers then are scheduled to make their Laker Field debut on February 15 against USC Aiken.

TURNING POINT:
- Itturia's goal in the 51st minute ended up being the game-winner.
 
NEWS AND NOTES
- Clayton State played 14 players in the win.
 
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