MORROW, Ga. – October 6, 2007 – Clayton State men’s head soccer coach Pete Petersen expected a 90-minute physical struggle when his Lakers battled visiting North Georgia on Saturday, and that’s exactly what he got. Fortunately for Petersen, however, his defense again rose to the occasion as Clayton State blanked North Georgia 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference action at Laker Field.

The victory was the third straight for 20th-ranked Clayton State, improving the Lakers to 8-2-1 overall and 2-1 in the Peach Belt. All eight Clayton State victories this season have come via the shutout.

Shots were a premium for North Georgia, which fell to 5-8-1 overall and 1-2 in the Peach Belt. The Saints managed only five shots against the vaunted Laker defense as Clayton State goalkeeper Janiel Simon recorded the shutout with three saves.

Clayton State had numerous opportunities to break the game open in the first half, but did convert one of those chances. Sophomore midfielder Matthias Faublas drilled a shot to the top of the net in front of the goal off a left cross by Jamal Geathers in the 22nd minute.

The game stayed 1-0 until late when Clayton State received some much-needed insurance as a pair of freshmen hooked up for the score. Midfielder Marijan Babic found Geathers down the left side for the goal in the 85th minute. It was Geathers’ Peach Belt-leading 12th goal on the season.

Brandon Kirksey recorded six saves for North Georgia.

Clayton State goes on the road on Tuesday with a tough test at Gulf South Conference power Montevallo at 8 p.m. EDT.