Late Second Half North Gwinnett Goal Leads To 3-1 2OT Win Over Peachtree Ridge

After winning their first match over Peachtree Ridge 3-2, the North Gwinnett Bulldogs hosted the Lions looking for the season series sweep as well as looking to stay in the hunt for the region title. The Lions would make things difficult for the Bulldogs all throughout the first half, controlling the field and limiting North Gwinnett's shots on goal as the Bulldogs struggled to break through the Peachtree Ridge pressure. The Lions would eventually take a 1-0 lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half courtesy of a header by Juan Gallego Garzan.

In the second half, the Bulldogs began to find their way through the Lions defense as they began to get more shots on goal but it would not be until the 33 minute mark before they would finally get on the board as Cody Leach would connect for a goal off the North Gwinnett free kick and with the score tied 1-1, the match would head into overtime. The Bulldogs would continue to have momentum on their side as they would score in the first OT period as a Ryan Williams shot would deflect off a Peachtree Ridge player for an own goal giving North Gwinnett a 2-1 lead. They would get another goal in the second OT period from Adam Burkey and would go on to pick up the 3-1 win.

Following the match, North Gwinnett head coach, Chris Leone said he had to give "full credit" to his players for being able to make the necessary adjustments at the half to put them in position to win the match up. "We had to flip the switch and it was an incredible response. They came out hard against us in the first half like we expected after we won the first game, we knew the second one was going to be hard," Leone stated. He went on to say that his players' response and "mental switch was absolutely incredible" that he was proud of the "work ethic" his players displayed in the come from behind win.

Watch highlights and the post-game interview with Coach Leone below now!