DAHLONEGA, Ga. --- SEPTEMBER 8, 2006 --- After a rocky beginning to the 2006 men’s soccer season, the Clayton State Lakers are starting to find their rhythm.

The Lakers opened Peach Belt Conference play in impressive fashion on Friday night, recording a 6-0 shutout at North Georgia. Head coach Pete Petersen’s team has now won two straight games and evens its season record at 3-3.

Clayton State spread the wealth offensively with five different players scoring goals. In addition, the Lakers totally dominated, recording 23 shots to only seven for North Georgia.

The Lakers took control early with three goals in the first half. Angel Kalinov gave Clayton State a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 23^rd minute off a double-assist by Hailab Habtom and Tonny Madegwa. Four minutes later, it was Madegwa’s turn as he scored unassisted following two saves by Saints goalkeeper Brandon Kirksey.

Matthias Faublas gave Clayton State a 3-0 lead at halftime with a goal in the 41^st minute off another assist by Habtom.

In the second half, an own-goal in the 47^th minute increased the Laker lead to 4-0, but Clayton State was far from finished. Senior Kevin Crooks hammered home an 18-yard shot from the top of the penalty in the 54^th minute, and then Marquintez Jackson finished the Laker scoring in the 82^nd minute with a goal off a double-assist by Ryan Townson and Todd Denson.

Overall, Habtom recorded three assists for the Lakers, while Madegwa added two assists. Laker goalkeepers Heath Padgett and Chris Cantrell combined for the shutout. Kirksey had nine saves for North Georgia (1-5, 0-1).

Clayton State returns to Laker Field on Sunday for a 2 p.m. showdown against Eckerd.