AMERICUS, Ga. – Georgia Southwestern State University opened Peach Belt Conference play Wednesday night with a 2-0 loss to Flagler College at Hurricane Field.
Finn Weigelt scored in the 17th minute and Hugues Iguaran added an insurance goal late in the second half when as the Saints (1-0-3, 1-0 PBC) handed the Hurricanes (2-3, 0-1 PBC) their first home loss in conference play this season.
Flagler controlled the early stages of the match, earning four corner kicks and putting four shots on goal over the opening 17 minutes.
GSW goalkeeper
Javier Barbosa helped withstand the early pressure, making saves on attempts from Iguaran and Oliver Lindstrom before Weigelt broke through at the 16:23 mark with a header off a corner kick. Iguaran provided the assist as Flagler took a 1-0 lead.
The Saints finished the opening half with an 8-2 advantage in shots and earned six corner kicks, but the Hurricanes kept the deficit at one heading into the break.
GSW found more of an attacking rhythm in the second half.
The Hurricanes generated seven shots over the final 45 minutes after managing just two in the first half.
Bryan Garcia had a pair of attempts during the opening eight minutes after halftime, while
Juan Franco and
Jose Monteagudo added chances as GSW searched for the equalizer.
Flagler, however, delivered the decisive second goal in the 78th minute. Will Cain connected with Iguaran, who flicked in a driven ball off a free kick at 77:10 to extend the Saints' advantage to 2-0.
GSW continued to push forward over the closing minutes.
Mane Birovljev put the Hurricanes' lone shot on goal of the night on frame in the 84th minute, forcing a save from Flagler goalkeeper Ryan Rivas, and
Dante Johnson and Birovljev added attempts in the final four minutes.
Flagler finished with a 16-9 advantage in shots and a 7-1 edge in shots on goal. The Saints also earned eight corner kicks to GSW's one.
Johnson, Birovljev and Garcia finished with two shots apiece to lead the Hurricanes. Barbosa made five saves in goal.
Wednesday marked the 25th all-time meeting between the programs. GSW is still searching for its first victory in the series, although the Hurricanes earned draws in both meetings with the Saints last season.
Next Up
- The Hurricanes travel to Greenwood, S.C., on Saturday for a 4:30 p.m. PBC match against Lander University.
