The nationally ranked Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team withstood a late rally from visiting Martin Methodist College in earning a 3-2 victory Thursday evening at the Grizzly Soccer Complex.

The Grizzlies, ranked 10th in the NAIA Top 25 poll, scored twice in the first 20 minutes of the match. The team had a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute following a free kick goal from sophomore Sagi Hirsch.

Martin Methodist's Jack McCarren found the back of the net for the second time on the evening in the 65th minute to trim the deficit to 3-2. But, GGC freshman goalkeeper Matija Gligorovic kept the Redhawks off the scoreboard despite 10 of Martin Methodist's 17 shots coming during the second half.

Freshman Michael Weber and senior Samuel Sampaio Gomes each scored goals for the Grizzlies in the early portion of the match.

GGC bounced back from its only loss of the season Sunday at Bluefield College (Va.).

Turning Point

Early in the second half, GGC regained a two-goal margin in the 50th minute when a 25-yard free kick by sophomore Sagi Hirsch sailed over the wall of defenders and inside the right post. It marked the second time in the match that the Grizzlies led by two goals.

Goals

16' – Georgia Gwinnett Michael Weber (Jack Gurr)

20' – Georgia Gwinnett Samuel Sampaio Gomes (Michael Weber)

30' – Martin Methodist Jack McCarren (penalty kick)

51' – Georgia Gwinnett Sagi Hirsch (unassisted)

65' – Martin Methodist Jack McCarren (Alex Kleczkowski)

Inside The Numbers

• Martin Methodist held a 17-12 shot edge in the match, including a 10-3 advantage in the second half.
• Freshman Michael Weber led the Grizzlies with four shots.
• Freshman Matija Gligorovic made four of his six saves during the second half.
• GGC has scored the first goal of a match in all nine contests this season.

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 7-1-1 on the season, while Martin Methodist falls to 7-2.
• The Grizzlies are ranked 10th in the NAIA Top 25 poll, while Martin Methodist is receiving votes in the poll.
• GGC is 2-0-1 at home this fall.
• All three meetings in the series have been determined by a one-goal margin. GGC has won the last two contests played between the two colleges.

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College hosts Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) October 11, starting at 7 p.m. from the Grizzly Soccer Complex.