MORROW, Ga. – Clayton State used a cross header from Casey Shultis to score the game's only goal at the 89:33 mark as the Lakers shook off a the No. 15 UNC Pembroke men's soccer team and give the Braves their first loss in Peach Belt Conference action at Laker Field on Saturday evening.

The lone goal came from a cross header in the middle from Kevin Rodriguez to the upper left corner as senior Ryan Hanson was unable to halt the charge on goal. The senior made four saves in the opening period, including a two within a two minute span. 

The stops were part of a seven-save night for the Cary native which also marked a season best. The visitoring Braves (5-2-0, 2-1-0 PBC) were outshot the Lakers (5-1-2, 1-0-1) by an 18-8 margin, including an 11-4 edge in the second half. 

Clayton State used its final surge with an attempted shot with 1:10 left on the clock, but Hanson stepped in for his final save of the night prior to the solo score.

"The guys fought extremely hard especially after being down a man for over an hour, but I'm proud of their effort tonight," said UNCP head coach Phil Hindson. "Today just wasn't our day. It is a tough place to play at and the goal they scored was very good."

Junior Adam Smith contributed a team-leading three shots for UNCP, while Kevin Vigebo logged two and Reece Rooney, Sam Miles and Branco Theis added one apiece. Four differed Lakers registered three shots throughout the contest, while Nick Punter posted to clean sheet for Clayton State while registering five saves.

The aggressive game saw eight fouls, two yellow cards and one red card by UNCP, while Clayton State had four yellow cards and nine fouls.

The Braves will close out the final stretch of its four-game road series as the squad travels down I-95 to face Francis Marion (3-0-2, 1-0-0) in a 7 p.m. league contest at Hartzler Soccer Field.