FLORENCE -- After allowing an early goal, the University of North Alabama women’s soccer team rallied for one its biggest wins of the season as the Lions dropped previously undefeated North Georgia College 3-1 at the UNA Soccer Field.

 

UNA, now 8-1-1 overall, surrendered a goal to the Saints in the eighth minute but managed to take a 2-1 lead by intermission. The game remained 2-1 until the final minute when the Lions added an insurance goal.

 

“This was a huge win for us,” said UNA head coach Graham Winkworth. “They were unbeaten and receiving votes in the Division II poll, and they have played an extremely tough schedule. This is a win that can really help us.”

 

North Georgia’s Kelly Penston scored her third goal of the season at 7:34 off an assist from Brittany Bauschka. UNA rallied to even the score at the 15:29 mark on a goal by Jo Chubb. It was her third of the season. The game remained tied until the 42^nd minute when UNA’s Julia Osmond drilled a free kick from 40 yards out into the lower right corner of the net for her first goal of the year.

 

The two teams battled on even terms throughout the second half before UNA’s Stephanie Bradshaw launched a ball from deep on the defensive end that Chloe Roberts was able to slip past North Georgia’s keeper Jessica English with just 19 seconds left in the game.

 

North Georgia falls to 4-1-1 with the loss.

 

UNA out-shot North Georgia 12-11 and the Lions’ Alex McLay recorded four saves.

 

Roberts goal was her 15^th of the season to lead the UNA squad.