The Basics
Score: MNU 1 – Georgia Gwinnett 0
Record: MNU (2-1-1), Georgia Gwinnett (3-1-1)
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga. – Grizzly Soccer Complex

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – #5 MNU picked up a statement win on Sunday, knocking off #2 Georgia Gwinnett 1-0 behind a first-half goal from Amaro Piaggio and another shutout from Lennart Fischer.

Georgia Gwinnett controlled the early possession and generated the first three corner kicks of the match, but the Pioneer defense held firm. Fischer made saves in the 19th and 20th minutes to keep the match scoreless, and MNU gradually began to create chances of its own. Glenn Burger forced a save in the 24th minute, and Ferdi Hagen put another attempt on frame in the 38th.

The breakthrough came just before halftime. Vladimir Buljan and Frederik Brunen set up Piaggio, who scored at 42:48 to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead. It was Piaggio's first goal of the season and ultimately stood as the game-winner.

Georgia Gwinnett came out aggressively after halftime, but Fischer again answered the challenge with a save in the 48th minute. The Grizzlies added two more attempts over the next 13 minutes, but neither found the target.

MNU continued to create opportunities rather than simply sit on the lead. Adam Wiman headed a shot high in the 72nd minute, Brunen forced a save in the 80th, and Piaggio nearly added a second goal in the 82nd before Dagoberto Romero made another stop.

The Grizzlies pushed forward late, but MNU's defense did not allow a shot on goal over the final 42 minutes. Georgia Gwinnett managed a pair of headers wide in the final six minutes, and the Pioneers closed out the 1-0 victory.

MNU was outshot 9-6 overall, but put five of its six attempts on frame compared to three for Georgia Gwinnett. The Pioneers also earned seven corner kicks to the Grizzlies' five. Fischer made three saves for the shutout, while Piaggio finished with two shots on goal and the match's only score.

Turning Point
Amaro Piaggio's goal in the 43rd minute was the game winner.

Individual Leaders
Amaro Piaggio: 1 goal
Vladimir Buljan: 1 assist
Frederik Brunen: 1 assist
Lennart Fischer: 3 saves, shutout

Up Next
The next match is Saturday at home vs. St. Ambrose at 3:30.