Tuesday, September 20, 2005

SAINTS USE LATE GOALS TO DEFEAT BISON 3-1

Decatur, Ala. - North Georgia scored three goals in the game's final eight minutes to earn a come-from-behind win over the Harding men's soccer team, Tuesday. The game was played at a neutral site, midway between the two schools.

Harding, which dropped to 0-4-0 on the season, took a 1-0 lead early in the second half. Freshman Kevin Nix suffered a foul in the box, and senior Ben Faris hammered home the resulting penalty kick in the 62nd minute. It was Faris' team-high second goal of the season.

The Bisons held the lead until the 83rd minute when NGCSU senior midfielder Jonathan Cueva scored his first of two goals of the season in less than a minute. Both came on crosses from sophomore forward Kelvon Morris.

The Saints (3-3-1) added another goal in the 86th minute when senior midfielder Drew Prentice scored his second of the year from senior midfielder Rene Alvarez.

North Georgia out shot the Bisons 24-13 overall and 15-3 shots on goal. Harding had only one shot in the first half. Bison freshman goalkeeper Ryan Hamilton recorded 12 saves, his second straight game with 10 or more saves.

Harding returns home Saturday to meet Spring Hill College at 3 p.m. The Saints will host their first Peach Belt Conference match this weekend at 3:30 p.m. as they face Lander University.