Asheville, NC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
In a strong performance, UNC Asheville men’s soccer defeated Georgia State 3-1, with Rodrigo Mendes scoring a remarkable hat trick. Mendes made history, delivering the first hat trick for the Bulldogs since 2002. His goals helped secure the win as UNC Asheville improved its record for the season. Georgia State managed to score a single goal, marking their ongoing struggle for victory.
Asheville, NC – Rodrigo Mendes Leads UNC Asheville to Victory with Hat Trick Against Georgia State
UNC Asheville men’s soccer secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Georgia State on August 31, 2025, thanks to a remarkable performance from Rodrigo Mendes, who recorded the first hat trick for the Bulldogs since 2002. The win improves UNC Asheville’s season record to 2-1-0, while Georgia State falls to 0-1-1.
Mendes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, establishing a lead for Asheville early in the match. His second goal occurred just minutes later, in the 22:26 mark, with an assist from teammate Arnor Hardarson, further extending the lead to 2-0. The pivotal moment of the game came in the second half when Mendes converted a penalty kick in the 63:18 minute, bringing his total to three goals.
The only goal for Georgia State came from Samir-Mohamed Djeha at the 30:35 mark, assisted by both Diego Soza and Virgil Dall’Agnol, allowing Georgia State to close the gap briefly before UNC Asheville secured the match.
Game Highlights
- Final Score: UNC Asheville 3, Georgia State 1
- Mendes Hat Trick: First for UNC Asheville since 2002
- Match Dates: August 31, 2025
- Current Records: UNC Asheville (2-1-0), Georgia State (0-1-1)
Upcoming Matches and Social Media Engagement
The Bulldogs look to build upon this victory in their upcoming matches, potentially gaining momentum as the season progresses. The game was widely promoted on social media with the hashtag #ALLinAVL, which showcases UNC Asheville’s continued effort to engage with its fan base and support local teams.
Context and Background
Rodrigo Mendes’ performance marks a significant milestone for the UNC Asheville program, as the last hat trick recorded by a Bulldog was more than two decades ago. This type of individual achievement highlights Mendes’ skill and potential as an essential player in UNC Asheville’s offensive strategy. The Bulldogs have demonstrated resilience and skill in their previous matches this season, and this latest victory supports their overall growth and development on the field.
Georgia State, on the other hand, remains in search of their first victory of the season and will need to regroup as they prepare for future contests. With this match, they continued to demonstrate competitive spirit, but the lack of securing points leaves them seeking improvement moving forward.
FAQ Section
What was the outcome of the UNC Asheville vs. Georgia State soccer match?
UNC Asheville defeated Georgia State 3-1 on August 31, 2025.
Who scored the goals for UNC Asheville?
Rodrigo Mendes scored all three goals for UNC Asheville, achieving a hat trick.
When was the last time UNC Asheville had a player score a hat trick?
Rodrigo Mendes’ hat trick on August 31, 2025, marks the first for UNC Asheville since 2002.
What are the current records for both teams?
UNC Asheville is now 2-1-0 for the season, while Georgia State stands at 0-1-1.
Key Match Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | UNC Asheville 3, Georgia State 1 |
| Scorer | Rodrigo Mendes (3 goals) |
| Assists | Arnor Hardarson (1 assist) |
| Georgia State Goal | Samir-Mohamed Djeha |
| Match Date | August 31, 2025 |
| Records | UNC Asheville (2-1-0), Georgia State (0-1-1) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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North Carolina Award Ceremony Set for Asheville
Governor Stein Announces Recipients of North Carolina Award
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs: Rodrigo Mendes Hat Trick
- Wikipedia: Soccer
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs: Season Opener Against Howard
- Google Search: UNC Asheville men’s soccer
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs: Upcoming Matches

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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