DAHLONEGA — The No. 2-seed University of North Georgia men's soccer team downed seventh-seeded USC Aiken, 3-1, Tuesday evening to advance to the Peach Belt Conference tournament semifinals at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans on Friday. With the win the Nighthawks improve to 10-9 on the season.
North Georgia struck first in the 29th minute with a quick pass from Chris Paul to Jordan Day to allow for a floater pass to set up the Matt Shaftoe goal just feet from the net.
The second goal of the night came in the 54th with a pass from Shaftoe into Ivan Acimovic at the top of the penalty box to allow for a shot that went through the hands and legs of USC Aiken goalkeeper, Orlando Maldovan.
The final Nighthawk goal came in the 76th minute with Shaftoe's second of the night, a perfect through ball from Day to allow for a one-on-one battle inside the box that Shaftoe made the best of.
The lone USC Aiken goal, came off a penalty kick by Andre Simmond in the 60th minute but it would not be enough to extend the Pacer season, as they finish 4-13 on the year.
