COLUMBUS - Facing off against its long-time rivals, the 13^th-ranked Columbus State University women's soccer team fell 1-0 to 25^th-ranked North Georgia Wednesday night. The Peach Belt Conference contest took place at the Walden Soccer Complex.

North Georgia (4-0, 1-0 PBC) scored the match's only goal in the 54^th minute to defeat CSU for the second consecutive match in Columbus.

"Right now, we aren't where we need to be offensively or defensively," said head coach Jay Entlich. "I don't think we played poorly tonight, but we have to continue to improve on both sides of the ball."

Both sides had good looks at the goal early in the match. Junior Bria Riancho had to make an early save just two minutes in before the Lady Cougars started their attack.

The next four shots were all by Columbus State (3-2, 0-1), but none found the net. Later in the half, a shot by junior Maddy Peterson nearly went in as it caromed off the crossbar. Riancho kept it scoreless heading into the break after making another save in the 38^th minute.

After freshman Carley Canzoneri's shot was saved by the Nighthawks, a counter attack by UNG was succesful in the 54^th minute. Abbie Crane took the ball down the field before sending a cross into the box. Taylor Malasek found the pass and sent a shot to the far post for the goal.

Columbus State nearly found the equalizer a few times over the final 30-plus minutes but each attempt was unsuccessful. 

In the match, North Georgia outshot Columbus State 14-13 while also holding a 9-7 corner kick advantage. 

Columbus State will return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 21 hosting Grand Valley State. The match is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Youth soccer players are encouraged to attend the match a part of Columbus Youth Soccer Day. 

Match Notes

• It's the first time Columbus State has lost back-to-back matches since the 2015 season. 
• The loss snaps CSU's 10-match winning streak in Peach Belt Conference play.
• Columbus State has posted at least 12 shots in all five matches this season.
• The Lady Cougars are 10-5-1 all-time in PBC openers.