DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Despite outshooting Peach Belt Conference rival North Georgia, the UNCP men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season to North Georgia, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon in the conference opener for the two schools at the Soccer Complex in Dahlonega, Ga.

The Braves (5-1-0, 0-1-0) began the offense by scoring in the eighth minute as senior defender Michael Davis scored off a header on the throw in to post his first goal of the season. North Georgia (2-3-1, 1-0-0) then posted two goals within six minutes to take the 2-1 lead at halftime. Jamie Gleeson scored his first goal of the season from a shot outside the box before Zachry Samples clinched the second goal of the game for the Saints.

In the second half, the Saints posted their third and final goal a Max Angel scored on a penalty kick in the 82nd minute. Minutes later at the 85:31 mark, Brett Luccia drilled a penalty kick into the back of the net to bring the Black and Gold to within one goal. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Hanson spent all 90 minutes in goal while totaling three saves for UNCP. Transfer Sam Miles led the Braves with four shots while Shaun Herselman, Matt MacDougall and Braxton Perkins posted two shots apiece.

North Georgia's Rade Tanaskovic registered 90 minutes in goal while collecting three saves. Gleeson, Angel and James Dobbin each registered two shots.  The Braves tallied 15 shots and 14 fouls during the game compared to North Georgia's 10 shot and 12 fouls.

The Braves will remain on the road as they are set to play nonconference opponent Young Harris (5-0-0) on Sunday at the Frances Wood Wilson Soccer Field in Young Harris, Ga. Kickoff is set for approximately 3 p.m.