SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The three-seeded Clayton State University men's soccer team opened Peach Belt Conference Tournament play taking on the fifth-seeded Nighthawks of the University of North Georgia on a rainy Friday afternoon at Saints Field on the campus of Flagler College. The Lakers take care of business and defeated North Georgia, 4-2, to advance to the Semifinals of the PBC Tournament.
The Lakers put the pressure on the Nighthawks from the opening kickoff. The Lakers opened their scoring in the 10
th minute. Youkendjy Pacius stole the ball just outside the box and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season making the score, 1-0. Clayton State kept putting the pressure on North Georgia as they extended their lead later in the half. In the 23
rd minute,
Geo Rios found a streaking
Isaac Pimenta who went top shelf for his seventh goal of the campaign. Six minutes later, Clayton State, again, found the back of the net. Off a nice pass by Pimenta, Rios scored his fifth goal of the season as the Lakers led, 3-0.
The Nighthawks added a late goal in the 43
rd minute but the Lakers still led, 3-1, going into the break. Both teams finished the half with nine shots. Keeper David Magala picked up three saves.
Halftime: Clayton State 3, North Georgia 1
The Lakers extended their lead in the first 10 minutes of the half. In the 55
th minute, Pimenta took away the ball in the Nighthawk's defensive midfield zone and passed the ball up to Rios who scored his second goal of the match. Clayton State led, 4-1. The Nighthawks then cut the Laker lead in the 67
th minute as they scored their second goal and made the score, 4-2.
Both teams had opportunities down the stretch to score a goal but ultimately, the Lakers took down the Nighthawks for the third time this season, 4-2.
MATCH VITALS
Final: Clayton State 4, North Georgia 2
Records: Clayton State: 10-4-4 | North Georgia: 6-11-2
Location: Saints Field | Flagler College | Saint Augustine, Fla.
QUICK HITS
- Rios notched his 15th assist and marked his second multi-goal match of the season.
- Pimenta and Pacius also marked goals.
- Pimenta added an assist.
- Magala made five saves in net.
- The Lakers edged the Nighthawks in shots, 16-15.
- The Lakers tallied their fifth straight victory over North Georgia.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers stay in Saint Augustine as they face the two-seeded Saints of Flagler College in the Semifinals of the PBC Tournament. That match on Sunday, October 30
th is set for 2 p.m. The Lakers went 1-0-1 against the Saints this season winning the first meeting at Saints Field and ending in a draw at Laker Field. Please visit claytonstatesports.com for the latest information regarding how to follow the action.
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