DAHLONEGA, GA – The North Georgia men's soccer team used a late score on Saturday afternoon to avoid overtime and sink Francis Marion 1-0 at the Soccer Complex in a key Peach Belt Conference battle.

North Georgia wins their second game in the last three days, improving to 7-3-3 overall on the year and 2-3-1 in the Peach Belt Conference, while the Patriots fall to 5-7-1 on the year and 2-3 in league action.

In what turned into an uneventful first half, the Patriots held a 6-4 edge in shots, while North Georgia managed a pair of corners to just one for Francis Marion. All four of the Saints' shots were on goal in the opening period, while the Patriots sent one shot on target, which resulted in Kristopher Alonzo's only save of the half.

Francis Marion had a golden opportunity in the 65th minute as Justin Walton found a cross and had one man to beat, but the defense did just enough to give Alonzo time to smother the attempt and keep the game scoreless.

The Saints finally put some offense on the board as Gray Phelps found a pass from Stan Soulen in the box and sent a shot just inside the left post to give North Georgia a 1-0 lead. The 87th minute goal was the fourth score of the year for Gray Phelps.   

North Georgia held off the Patriots over the final minutes to snag the 1-0 victory at home. Shots were dead even at 10 apiece, while the Saints edged Francis Marion 5-2 in corners.

Monday's game against St. Andrews has been postponed once again, so the Saints will go back to work on Thursday, October 21, traveling to Florida to battle with the University of Tampa in non-conference action. Kickoff against the Spartans is set for 7:00 p.m.