08/25/2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Simmons
Women's Soccer and Cross Country/Track & Field SID
404.651.4629
athmdsx@langate.gsu.edu

KENNESAW, GA. – The Georgia State Panthers dropped a 0-3 decision to suburban rival Kennesaw State University Friday evening, Aug. 25, in Kennesaw.

The Panthers (0-1) found themselves down early after giving up a goal in the first minutes of the contest. While the Owls of Kennesaw (1-0) seemed to have the advantage over the first 30 minutes, the Panthers were able to match their opponents in wit for the remainder of the first stanza.

After Kennesaw out shot the Panthers 9-3 in the first half, Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli employed a new offensive strategy in the second period, enabling the Panthers to better attack, improving shot production by four in the later half. But, two goals late in the second period for Kennesaw put the game out of reach for the Panthers.

“We played hard tonight and put up a good effort, but they closed the door on us,” Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli said after the loss. “We gave a good 20 minutes in the second half, a jolt from the new system, but first-game jitters caused some errors and we weren't able to recover.”

In the sixth minute of competition, Kennesaw State forward Mandy Nolin struck net from 15-yards out to put the Owls ahead 1-0. The mark was assisted by Lindsay Smith.

The Panthers had an opportunity to tie in the first half when senior forward Lauren Chavez unleashed a high shot from distance, only to have the ball bounce off the cross bar.

In the 72nd minute, Owl midfielder Mayle Attin-Johnson pushed the lead to two off a through pass from Sarah Marek that carried low to the corner from 18-yards out. Marek scored the closing mark eight minutes later unassisted from 25 yards.

For Georgia State, Chavez recorded three shots, while seven other Panthers recorded their first shot of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Charlotte Vargo recorded six saves in the loss, dropping her record to 0-1.

Georgia State was out shot in the contest 10-21 and matched the owls in corner kicks with three.

“They're a well coached team,” said Martelli. “We played with a lot of heart and competitiveness, but we weren't technically sound. Hopefully we got all the first-game jitters out and I expect us to play better at Charlotte, but we're going to have to play better soccer to beat them.”

Georgia State returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 27 as the team travels to Charlotte, N.C., to face UNC Charlotte, who is ranked 11th in the Southeast by Soccerbuzz.com, at 2 p.m.

 

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