Asheville, North Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville men’s soccer team achieved a significant 3-1 victory over Georgia State. Rodrigo Mendes shone with a hat trick, marking an impressive milestone for the team. Despite a goal from Georgia State’s Samir-Mohamed Djeha, UNC Asheville’s strong effort and teamwork helped maintain their winning streak, positioning them well for future matches. The performance not only highlighted Mendes’ talents but also set the tone for upcoming fixtures in the season.
Asheville, North Carolina – The UNC Asheville men’s soccer team achieved a solid victory on August 26, 2025, as they defeated Georgia State with a final score of 3-1. This win marked UNC Asheville’s second consecutive victory of the season, improving their record to 2 wins and 0 losses. In contrast, Georgia State dropped to a record of 0 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw following this game.
The standout player of the match was Rodrigo Mendes, who scored a remarkable hat trick, the first for UNC Asheville since 2002. Mendes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a goal that was assisted by Arnor Hardarson. This gave UNC Asheville an early 1-0 lead. Just eight minutes later, Mendes struck again in the 31st minute, again with an assist from Hardarson, extending the lead to 2-0.
Georgia State managed to respond with a goal from Samir-Mohamed Djeha in the 63rd minute, with assists credited to Diego Soza and Virgil Dall’Agnol, bringing the score to 2-1. However, Mendes sealed the game for UNC Asheville with his third goal, a penalty kick converted in the 74th minute, finalizing the score at 3-1.
Head Coach of UNC Asheville commended the team’s performance, particularly highlighting Mendes’ exceptional contribution during the match. The team’s overall effort and cooperation on the field were essential in securing this victory.
Match Overview
The match witnessed a dynamic display of soccer skills from both teams. UNC Asheville demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, particularly through the performance of Mendes, while Georgia State worked hard but was unable to fully capitalize on their opportunities.
Upcoming Matches
The success in this match positions UNC Asheville optimally for their upcoming fixtures, where they intend to build momentum and capitalize on the winning streak. Georgia State, on the other hand, will be reviewing their strategies and looking for improvement in their next match to turn around their fortunes.
Historical Context
Rodrigo Mendes’ hat trick not only highlights his talent but also marks a significant moment in UNC Asheville’s soccer history, being the first occurrence since 2002. This achievement serves as a reminder of the program’s potential for excellence as it continues to evolve in collegiate soccer.
Summary of Key Points
- UNC Asheville defeated Georgia State with a score of 3-1 on August 26, 2025.
- Rodrigo Mendes scored all three goals for UNC Asheville, achieving a hat trick.
- The match improved UNC Asheville’s record to 2-0-0 and dropped Georgia State to 0-1-1.
- Georgia State’s goal came from Samir-Mohamed Djeha in the 63rd minute.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Date | August 26, 2025 |
| Final Score | UNC Asheville 3, Georgia State 1 |
| Hat Trick Player | Rodrigo Mendes |
| Assists | Arnor Hardarson (2 assists) |
| Georgia State Goal Scorer | Samir-Mohamed Djeha |
FAQ
What is a hat trick in soccer?
A hat trick is when a player scores three goals in a single match.
What does UNC Asheville’s record improve to after this match?
UNC Asheville’s record improves to 2-0-0 following the victory.
Who assisted Rodrigo Mendes’ goals?
Arnor Hardarson assisted all three of Mendes’ goals.
When was the last time UNC Asheville had a player score a hat trick?
The last recorded hat trick for UNC Asheville was in 2002.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Duke University Men’s Soccer Team Wins Season Opener
UNC Asheville Selected to Host NAIA Track & Field Championships
North Carolina Award Ceremony Set for Asheville
Governor Stein Announces Recipients of North Carolina Award
Rodrigo Mendes Leads UNC Asheville to Victory Over Georgia State
UNC Asheville Renews Partnership with Mission Sports Medicine
UNC Asheville Women’s Soccer Team Starts Season with Draw
Asheville Weekend Events Highlight Music, Arts, and Community
UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer to Face Howard University
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs News
- Georgia State Sports News
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs Schedule
- Georgia State Men’s Soccer Schedule
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
