DAHLONEGA, Ga.--It was an aggressive match to the end as USC Aiken (2-8-2, 1-2-0 PBC) couldn’t finish off Peach Belt Conference newcomer North Georgia (7-4-2, 2-3-1 PBC). An unfortunate own goal late in the second half off a blocked goalie punt would seal the win for the Saints 3-2.

The Saints dominated offense taking 17 shots during the game and holding the Pacers to just six. Ryan Whittington would score first, five minutes into the game, off a pass from Ciro Pelliccia, however, the goal would not stand for long. Four minutes later, Tommy Rushing had an unassisted, break away shot to tie the game 1-1. The score would hold until the end of the first half.

Eight minutes into the second half, the Pacers would take the lead after Rushing passed the ball off to Emmauel Maduka who made the goal for USCA. North Georgia’s Will Maxwell took a pass that crossed over from Rene Alvarez to tie the game at 2-2.

At 82:26, the own goal would seal the fate for USCA, giving them a road loss after coming off an amazing home win against Francis Marion.

Georgi Peev for USCA and Whittington for North Georgia each received a yellow card during the course of the game.

The loss makes the overall series between the Pacers and the Saints (1-3-1) in favor of North Georgia.

The Pacers will face Erskine College in Due West, S.C. on Wednesday, October 19, at 7 p.m. North Georgia will travel to play Montevallo also on the 19th, game time at 7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer Game Summary (Final)
North Georgia vs USC Aiken (Oct 15, 2005 at Dahlonega, Ga.)
North Georgia (7-4-2) vs. USC Aiken (1-8-2)
Date: Oct 15, 2005 Attendance: 152

Goals by period 1 2 Tot
North Georgia...........1 2 - 0
USC Aiken.................1 1 - 2

SCORING SUMMARY:
Shots: NGCSU 17, USC Aiken 6
Saves: NGCSU 1(Chapin, LaChance 1), USC Aiken 6 (Rodriguez, Marcos 6)
Corner kicks: NGCSU 3, USCA 1
Offsides: NGCSU 3, USCA 1
Cards: YC: USCA Georgi Peev (39:35); NGCSU Ryan Whittington (72:11)

FULL BOXSCORE