Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics

The Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team had an answer each time visiting Point University (Georgia) scored, plus had a late additional tally for the game-winner in a 3-2 home win Tuesday night at the Grizzly Soccer Complex.

The No. 16-ranked Grizzlies' 8-0-2 record is the best start in program history.

The deciding goal came in the 79th minute when junior Karim Tmimi converted a one-on-one scoring chance in front of the Point goal. That came roughly 10 minutes after Point (5-5-2) squared the match on a counter attack from Jeronimo Leguizamon.

GGC took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute on a goal from senior Toni Tiente off a free kick from senior Alfredo Rivera. The visitors then tied the match, 1-1, on a penalty kick goal from Lorenzo Delvecchio in the 57th minute.

The Grizzlies struck first in the 22nd minute as junior Mike Machila found the back of the net following a corner kick taken by Rivera.

The hosts attempted a season-high 25 shots, including 17 shots on goal. Tmimi led the charge with six shots, while freshman Jason Strambu came off the bench to register five shots.


  "We should have scored more goals. We weren't able to convert our shots (25 shots) and I wasn't pleased with how our transition defense allowed both goals. That wasn't good enough. It is easy fixable. At this point of the season you will take a win. Sometimes you're not at your best, but you must find a way to win. We have some time to rest and get better through practice," said Head Coach Steve DeCou.
  The Grizzlies had their scoring chances in the match with 17 of their 25 shots being on goal. After Point tied the match following a counter in the 70th minute, GGC got the game-winning goal when senior Toni Tiente sent a long ball over the Point defense. Junior Karim Tmimi chased down the ball and then chipped the ball over the opposing goalkeeper into the open net.
  22' – Mike Machila, GGC (Daniel Okonkwo, Alfredo Rivera)
57' – Lorenzo Delvecchio, PU (penalty kick)
61' – Toni Tiente, GGC (Alfredo Rivera)
70' – Jeronimo Leguizamon, PU (Santiago Arce)
79' – Karim Tmimi, GGC (Toni Tiente, Alfredo Rivera)
 

• The Grizzlies attempted a season-high 25 shots, including 17 shots on goal
• Junior Karim Tmimi registered a match-high six shots, while freshman Jason Strambu had five shots
• GGC had nine corner kicks over the 90 minutes of action

• GGC improves to 8-0-2 on the season, while Point falls to 5-5-2 during the 2020-21 campaign
• Georgia Gwinnett College is ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Top 25 poll
• Tuesday's match marked the first meeting between the two colleges
• GGC is 4-0-1 at the Grizzly Soccer Complex this season

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Thomas University (Georgia) in a Senior Day match on Wednesday, March 31, at the Grizzly Soccer Complex, starting at 4 p.m.