Tigerville, SC – Zac Zborovsky recorded a hat trick Saturday night at Pepsi Stadium to lead the North Greenville Trailblazers to a 4-1 victory over the Flying Fleet of Erskine College. Zborovsky scored twice in the opening half before completing the hat trick late in the second, while Pablo Valverde added his first goal of the season. The victory improved North Greenville to 2-4-1 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play, while Erskine fell to 0-6-1 overall and 0-5 in conference play.
North Greenville opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Tomas Cabrera set up Zborovsky, who found the back of the net at 12:45 to give the Trailblazers an early 1-0 advantage. Erskine responded at 30:10 when Kaden Manigault scored his first goal of the season to even the match at one.
The tie lasted just over 10 minutes. Zborovsky struck again at 40:39, scoring his second goal of the night to put North Greenville back in front. The goal sent the Trailblazers into halftime holding a 2-1 advantage despite Erskine owning a 7-6 edge in shots during the opening 45 minutes.
North Greenville took control after the break, outshooting the Flying Fleet 9-3 in the second half. The Trailblazers generated several opportunities to extend the lead before finally putting the match away with two goals in the closing minutes.
Zborovsky completed his hat trick at 86:15 with an assist by Ezra Hoffman to extend the NGU advantage to 3-1. Just over two minutes later, Valverde provided the final goal of the night at 88:33, scoring his first of the season to complete the 4-1 victory.
Zborovsky was responsible for six of North Greenville's 15 shots and put three on goal, converting all three of his shots on target. Brennen Lamont and Hoffman each finished with two shots and placed both on goal, with Hoffman also recording an assist.
North Greenville finished with a 15-10 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Erskine held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. Cohen Brinkley played all 90 minutes in goal for the Trailblazers, allowing one goal while making three saves.
The Trailblazers will return to action on Tuesday, September 22nd agains the Trojans of Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina.
