DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The stalwart defense of the Lee men's soccer team proved it can take its show on the road as the Flames made it four straight shutouts to start the season with a 2-0 blanking of North Georgia on Tuesday evening.
After a scoreless first half the Flames got on the board in the 49th minute as Eemeli Makela delivered a free kick into a crowded box that ricocheted off a Nighthawk defender and into the back of the net for an own goal.
With just 7:50 remaining in the match senior-transfer Tristian Lyle put the sprinkles on the ice cream as he launched a shot from the top of the box into the right corner of the net for his first goal as a Flame.
Aidan Moore was credited with the assist.
Senior keeper Daniel Hrenko and the Lee defense of Tanner Carter, Caden Corrao, Jonah Bryan and Samir Williams have yet to allow a goal in four matches to start the 2019 season. Hrenko registered three saves.
"Most importantly we will take the result, the boys battled hard for 90 minutes and deserved the win," said third-year head coach Derek Potteiger. "The first half was a sloppy performance and I was really upset with our collective pride in playing to the standard we expect. I gave a few tactical instructions at halftime then handed them over to coach Torrey (Stricklin) and he gave them an earful."
Whatever was said at halftime did the trick as Lee scored both goals and outshot the Nighthawks, 12-4 in the final 45 minutes. For the game the Flames outshot North Georgia, 20-7 and put six shots on goal.
"We responded really well and the execution in the second half was much better," said Potteiger. "Credit to the guys for responding and credit to Torrey for getting them ready."
Luis Lepervanche suffered the loss in goal for the Nighthawks as he tallied four saves and faced a barrage of 20 shots from the Lee offense.
The win moves the Flames to 3-0-1 on the year while North Georgia falls to 1-3-1.
"Our focus now needs to quickly shift to our game on Saturday as this may be one of the hardest games in the country to play right now – going down to Young Harris to play at their place," concluded Potteiger.
The Flames will stay on the road and test the No. 3 Mountain Lions on Saturday at 7 p.m.