DAHLONEGA, Ga.—Barry Men’s Soccer opened up the 2014 season Thursday night with a 3-1 away win over the North Georgia Nighthawks.
North Georgia was opening a brand new soccer facility on Thursday but the Bucs quickly spoiled the party with a fourth minute goal by Nico Gerke off a Ryan King free kick.
Gerke continues his goal scoring form from last season, which saw him finish tied for third on the team in goals scored with five.
Not letting off after halftime, the Bucs added another goal in the 56th minute by Connor Randel, finishing off a cross by Pablo Georgakopoulos.
It was a great start for Randel, in his first game since missing the entire 2013 season due to injury.
Also making an introduction was goalkeeper Robby Shearer, playing his first game for Barry after two years of backing up All-American Johnny Rodrigues.
With a veteran backline alongside him, Shearer kept a clean sheet in the first half and had one save for the game.
While UNG scored a goal on Shearer in the 62nd minute, Barry quickly responded to put the game away with a 64th minute goal by Connor Randel off an assist by Nico Gerke.
Randel’s two goal effort shows that even a year away from the field hasn’t hampered his scoring ability, which guided him to leading the 2012 team in goals with five.
Barry returns to action on Sunday as they travel to Young Harris College to take on the nationally ranked Mountain Lions.
Soccer Game Summary (Final)
2014 Barry University Soccer
Barry vs North Georgia (09/04/14 at Dahlonega, GA)
Barry (1-0-0) vs. North Georgia (0-1-0)
Date: 09/04/14 Attendance: 654
Weather:
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
Barry............... 1 2 - 3
North Georgia....... 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 3:06 BARRY-M Nico Gercke (1) (Ryan King) - Off free kick
2. 55:21 BARRY-M Connor Randel (1) (Pablo Georgakopoulos) - Finished lower right hand corner following cross
3. 61:03 UNGM Manuel Hernandez (1) (unassisted)
4. 64:25 BARRY-M Connor Randel (2) (Nico Gercke)
Shots: Barry 16, North Georgia 7
Saves: Barry 1 (Robby Shearer 1), North Georgia 3 (Victor Ohlin 3)
2014 season opener for both teams.