Box Score Demorest, GA -- The Lions outshot the LaGrange Panthers 16-6 in their 2-1 victory over the in-state USA South Conference rival, tonight. Piedmont had eight shots in the first half compared LaGrange's one.
With the Lions maintaining possession for nearly the entirety of the first half, the Panthers were forced to fall back and defend attack after attack. Forwards
Justin Whitaker and
Vincent Thomas each put shots on frame often.
In the 22nd minute, Thomas was brought down in the box by a Panthers defender, earning him a penalty kick. Unfortunately, the LaGrange goalkeeper chose right and blocked the shot. Thomas followed his shot though and placed it in the side-netting to give the Lions their first lead in four games.
After halftime, both teams came out fast-footed. Shots were put on goal in both halves of the field for the first twenty minutes.
In the 65th minute, freshman
Waldyr Pierre-Louis beat several opposing players along the sideline to earn a corner kick for the Lions. The corner kick by
Justin Whitaker landed right in the fray of bodies in the six yard box. After several shots and attempted clears,
Vincent Thomas found an opening and one-timed a shot into the goal for his second of the day and the eventual game-winner.
The Panthers were not ready to surrender, though. LaGrange stepped up the pressure and fought for every ball moving forward. In the 78th minute, their work paid off and a communication mix-up by the Lions allowed the Panthers to slip a cross in that was finished by a header.
After the goal, Piedmont locked down the defense and dominated play for the final twelve minutes.
Kenneth Hearn tallyed two saves after facing a trifecta of shots on goal Including the single goal against in the victory.
Vincent Thomas now leads the Lions with five goals; this being his second two-goal game on the season.
The Lions are now 3-7 overall and 1-2 in USA South Conference play. Their next match will be a non-conference game against local rival Toccoa Falls College. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. within the confines of Walker Athletic Field.
