Box Score

Pembroke, NC – North Georgia College & State University used a goal in each half from Terry Gibbs to pick up their first win in nearly a month, defeating UNC Pembroke 2-1 Friday evening at a soggy Varsity Grounds.

North Georgia (6-9-1, 1-2-1) defeated the Braves for the first time in four tries, while also snapping a six-game winless streak. It was the first win for the Saints since a 1-0 win over Florida Tech on September 21.

UNCP had a lion’s share of the play for the opening 36 minutes of play, but it was a whistle against the Braves in the 37th minute that ultimately changed their fortunes. The Saints caught UNCP in transition and a serve into the penalty area would catch the elbow of defender Phil Charles who was sent off a short time later for an intentional handball. Terry Gibbs sent the ensuing penalty kick attempt past UNCP goalkeeper Horatio Bynes moments later to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Despite holding an 11-5 shot advantage, it would be the Braves that went into the break with a disadvantage on the scoreboard.

North Georgia’s Wil Maxwell would get whistled for a trip inside the area just two minutes into the second stanza to help UNCP pull even as Andy Pullin tallied the first converted penalty kick attempt for the Black and Gold this season with a strike at 47:01. However, North Georgia would have the night’s final say in the 64th minute when Jose Herrera received a throw in from in front of the visitor’s bench, made a couple of nifty moves and served a ball to the far post to the waiting head of Gibbs who finished with a redirection past Bynes.

North Georgia returns to action again on October 25 when the Saints close out their 2008 home slate by taking on PBC rival Francis Marion in a 3 p.m.