The Dawson County High School varsity Tigers soccer team overcame Lumpkin County 2-0 March 31 in Dahlonega.

Lumpkin County defended their side of the field with 10 men, which made it difficult for the Tigers to mount an offensive attack.

"We had to play a patient game tonight," said Head Coach Jed Lacey. "Lumpkin did what they had to do to slow us down."

The defensive style of play limited the Tigers' offensive attack.

Dawson County still managed 13 first half shots, but each attempt was just off the mark.

After 40 minutes the game was tied 0-0 at the half.

Just 5 minutes and 14 seconds into the second half Dawson County finally took the lead.

Sal Mendoza took a pass from Dennis Pyetsukh and deposited the ball in the back of the net to put the Tigers up 1-0.

Dawson County put the game away with 6:22 left to play.

Mendoza scored his second goal, which put the Tigers ahead 2-0. Mendoza leads the team in goals with 10.

Ty Anglin picked up his fourth shutout in goal.

Lumpkin County dropped to 5-9-0 on the season and 3-3 in Region 7-AAA play.

The Tigers are currently 8-2-2 and 3-1 in region play.

Dawson County also holds a No. 3 state-ranking in Class AAA.

"Overall we had to play a possession game and I think we controlled about 75 percent of it and did what we had to," Lacey said.

He said he was proud of his team's defense.

"Defensively we held them to two shots on goal, so our defense was spot on. We are playing very well now that we have adjusted to losing a couple of starters," Lacey said.

After taking a few days off for Spring Break, Dawson County will continue its regular season play with a game at North Hall (6-4-1) on April 15.

The North Hall game is a non-region match-up.

The next Region 7-AAA game will be Senior Night on April 17 against Franklin County (1-7-0; 0-5).

Both games will kick off at 7:30 p.m.