NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 3, Covenant 2
Records: Piedmont, 4-3 (2-1 USA South); Covenant, 2-2 (2-1 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga. - Senior forward CAMERON EARLS scored two goals and freshman RICARDO RUIZ had a goal and an assists as the Piedmont men's soccer held off Covenant for a 3-2 home win on Saturday afternoon.

The win snaps Covenant's 20-game USA South win streak and marks Piedmont's first win over the Scots (2-2, 1-2 USA South) in program history.

After a scoreless first half, the Lions (4-3, 2-1 USA South) used an early second half onslaught to quickly increase their lead to 3-0 before holding off a furious Covenant rally in the final minutes to remain in front.

Piedmont goalkeeper CAMERON VERONA played an outstanding game, making seven saves and improving his record to 4-2 on the season.

The game was scoreless in a well-played first half. However, the Scots found their best chance of the period in the final minute with an open net when PC defender JOJO CROFFIE raced in to clear away the would-be goal.

With all the momentum heading to the break, the Lions took full advantage, earning a corner kick on their first possession of the second half. After IAN ADDISON's header directly off the corner was unable to be controlled by the keeper, freshman RICARDO RUIZ had his strike blocked, but was able to stay with the play, rebounding his own shot and beating the keeper to the far post to put Piedmont on top.

Then, minutes later, Earls struck for the first of his two goals, this time thanks to a beautiful feed from Ruiz. Earls was able to settle the cross and fired a rocket to the top left corner of the net from just inside the box to put the Lions up 2-0. The run continued just over seven minutes later as Earls beat his defender one-on-one after a well-placed through ball from freshman defender MIHAI STATE.

Desperate to keep its USA South winning streak alive, Covenant fought back, scoring its first goal on a penalty kick from Griffin Felton in the 64th minute.

However, the Lions were able to hold the 3-1 lead for the next 26 minutes, as the Scots cut the deficit to 3-2 in the final minute to make the final a 3-2 margin.

The win moves Piedmont to a perfect 4-0 at home this season.

Up next, the Lions will step out of conference and take to the road to battle Berry this Monday, March 1 a 5 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont scored three times in the first 13 minutes of the second half which proved just enough to snap Covenant's 20-game conference win streak.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- CAMERON EARLS scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season giving him 32 for his career at Piedmont.
- RICARDO RUIZ opened the scoring for the Lions and assisted on the team's second goal of the game. The freshman now has eight points, tied for second on the team with fellow freshman EVAN SAYLOR.
- CAMERON VERONA made a season-best seven saves to help the Lions come out on top.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- The win marks Piedmont's first in school history over Covenant. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.