Asheville, NC, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Rodrigo Mendes showcased his scoring talent by netting a hat trick, leading the UNC Asheville Bulldogs to a 3-1 win over Georgia State. Mendes opened the scoring in the first half and added two more goals in the second, marking the first hat trick for the Bulldogs since 2002. The victory improved UNC Asheville’s season record to 2-0-0, while Georgia State struggled to keep pace, falling to 0-1-1. As the Bulldogs’ season progresses, Mendes’s performance positions him as a key player to watch.
Asheville, NC – Rodrigo Mendes led the UNC Asheville Bulldogs to a commanding 3-1 victory over Georgia State on August 26, 2025, marked by a remarkable hat trick that highlighted his scoring prowess. The victory improved UNC Asheville’s record to 2-0-0 for the season, while Georgia State fell to 0-1-1.
Mendes opened the scoring for the Bulldogs in the 31st minute, netting his first goal of the match with assistance from teammate Arnor Hardarson. Following a competitive first half, UNC Asheville maintained a 1-0 lead as they moved into the second half of the match.
In the second half, Mendes struck again in the 63rd minute, scoring his second goal of the match, thanks to the combined efforts of Conrad Ryu Eriksson and Charlie Wood. The Bulldogs extended their lead to 2-0. Mendes completed the hat trick in the 74th minute, making it the first hat trick for UNC Asheville since 2002.
Despite Georgia State’s Samir-Mohamed Djeha finding the back of the net to bring the score to 3-1, the Bulldogs held firm and secured the win without any additional goals from the Panthers. This victory comes just days after UNC Asheville defeated Howard University 2-1, with Mendes scoring his first goal as a Bulldog in that match. He was assisted by Wood and Hardarson in that goal, which occurred at the 12th minute.
Overall, the match against Georgia State showcased Mendes’s potential as a key player for the Bulldogs this season. His hat trick is not only significant for the current season but also marks a historic moment for the program, celebrating the first time since 2002 that a player has achieved this feat in a single game.
Looking ahead, UNC Asheville will look to continue their early season success as they focus on their next opponent. The Bulldogs are now poised for a promising season, especially with key players like Mendes and Wood stepping into the spotlight. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in the upcoming matches.
RECENT MATCH SUMMARY
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2025 | Howard | Win 2-1 |
| August 26, 2025 | Georgia State | Win 3-1 |
Background
The University of North Carolina Asheville has a growing reputation in collegiate soccer, and the performance by Mendes adds to their reputation in the Southern Conference. This season has already seen remarkable performances from the squad, and their fans are hopeful for a successful run.
Upcoming Matches
As the Bulldogs continue their season, fans and sports analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain their momentum, with talented players like Mendes leading the charge.
FAQ
What was the final score of the match between UNC Asheville and Georgia State?
The final score was 3-1 in favor of UNC Asheville.
Who scored the hat trick for UNC Asheville?
Rodrigo Mendes scored the hat trick for UNC Asheville.
When did UNC Asheville last have a player score a hat trick?
The last hat trick for UNC Asheville was recorded in 2002.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UNC Asheville Women’s Golf Team Achieves Historic Second Place
UNC Asheville Selected to Host NAIA Track & Field Championships
Asheville Announces New Collegiate Track Championship Tournament
Rodrigo Mendes Leads UNC Asheville to Victory Over Georgia State
Asheville Faces Heat Wave and Thunderstorm Threats
UNC Asheville Women’s Golf Team Prepares for New Season
UNC Asheville Renews Partnership with Mission Sports Medicine
UNC Asheville Women’s Soccer Team Starts Season with Draw
UNC Asheville Raises Over $165,000 at Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic
UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer to Face Howard University
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Athletics
- UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer Schedule
- Georgia State Athletics
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs Start New Era
- Google Search: Rodrigo Mendes Soccer
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.
