By Zack Ciboth, Sports Reporter
The UNC Pembroke women’s soccer team (0-1) fell 2-1 in their season opener on the road when they faced off with the #24 ranked North Georgia Nighthawks (1-0) Thursday after in Dahlonega, GA.
After a defensive battle between both sides kicked things off early in the match as neither side could really convert on a scoring opportunity, the Braves found their first opportunity with a goal by Freshman Shakira Kafero Roberts in the 38th minute to make it 1-0.
With times winding down in the first half the Nighthawks capitalized on the opportunity to tie the game on a goal by Darby Olive off an assist from Ashley Sumrell to tie match at 1-1 heading into the half.
The Nighthawks flipped the game on the Braves in the 63rd minute taking the lead on a goal that netted in the back left corner by Nina Lopez thanks to an assist from Cat Watry to make it 2-1. The Braves found themselves multiple time in scoring position but couldn’t get anything going falling in the end.
Kafero Roberts and Emma Clark were the only two Braves to record a shot on goal for a team total of two. Anna Bass got the start in the goal for the Braves and put on a defensive clinic tying her career-high with six saves.
The Braves now turn their focus to Sunday for their home opener when they welcome #8 Lenoir-Rhyne to Pembroke for a 2 p.m. contest