The University of North Georgia women’s soccer team opened their season on Thursday at home at Lynn Cottrell Park, with a 2-1 come from behind victory over the UNC Pembroke Braves.
The No. 24 Nighthawks dominated on the pitch statistically, with shots 13-4 and shots on goal 8-2 in favor of UNG. Despite that and the time of possession also being controlled by UNG, it turned into a hard-fought game early. Neither team could create many opportunities to start. The first real chance came on a shot off the crossbar from freshman forward Sam Cottle 20 minutes in. The Nighthawks forward ball pressure did a good job of shutting down any attacks.
That all changed in the 37th minute when UNC Pembroke freshman Shakira Kafero Roberts put the ball in the back of the net on a breakaway to give the Braves a 1-0 advantage.
With their backs against the wall, senior midfielder Darby Olive had the perfect answer. Olive took a pass from sophomore midfielder Ashley Sumrell in the box and fought off contact from the defender to strike the equalizer with just a minute to go until halftime.
“When we gave up the goal late in the first half, that was a wakeup call for me. I knew we could not let UNC Pembroke go into the second half thinking they would win the game. As soon as I saw Ashley cross the ball in, I knew I had to be brave and take a chance for the team,” Olive said about the moment.
With a 1-1 score, UNG found new confidence at the half to start creating more chances.
“Tying the game up before halftime gave my team much needed motivation and momentum that carried into the second half. To get a goal so late in the half shows how strong this team is mentally, pushing us through difficult moments in games when things are not going our way.”- Darby Olive, UNG Senior Midfielder
Freshman midfielder Nina Lopez became the beneficiary of the Nighthawks momentum in the 63rd minute with the go ahead and eventual game winning goal. Lopez hit a bender off her right foot from outside the box for what was her first career goal in her first collegiate game.
With the lead then at 2-1, the Nighthawks fought off any last second efforts from the opposition with some huge one on one stops and saves from senior goalkeeper Sierra Fowler.
“Using our strengths and communication between the back line we were able to pull out a shut out in the second half,” Fowler said. Her diving save in the last few minutes was the nail in the coffin securing victory.
“Starting out on a win is always a good start to a season because it sets the stage for the mentality and effort we need to put in for each upcoming game in order to get the same outcome or better.” – Sierra Fowler, UNG Senior Goalkeeper
UNG is back home Wednesday the 11th against Young Harris as they continue their quest to repeat as Peach Belt Conference Regular Season champions.
