Franklin Springs GA - The Shorter Hawks men's soccer team scored early in both periods to take a 2-0 lead but needed a dramatic third goal late to win 3-2 Thursday at Emmanuel College. 

The Hawks got on the board just two minutes in when sophomore Emmanuel Alerte headed in a Davide Maiello cross to make it 1-0.  

Maiello then scored just one minute into the second period set up by his twin brother Mattia to make it 2-0. 

But the host Lions pressured the Hawks and battled back and tied the game at 2 in the 81st minute.  

The Hawks game winner came in a sensational side-volley by Mattia Maiello off a cross from Isaac Franklin with just 6 minutes to play.  

"We demonstrated some great character tonight," said Hawks coach Paul Furey.  "After going up 2-0 and then allowing them to equalize late really was a big momentum switch for them.  But we hung in there and battled and Mattia (Maiello) scored an amazing goal for the winner.   Very exciting and good game."

The Hawks are now 2-0 on the young season and will have their Home opener Saturday in Rome on Ben Brady Field against Trevecca Nazarene University (TN) at 7:30.