08/27/2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Simmons
Women's Soccer and Cross Country/Track & Field SID
404.651.4629
athmdsx@langate.gsu.edu
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Georgia State women's soccer team battled the 49ers of Charlotte to a 1-1 tie after two periods of overtime Sunday, Aug. 27 in Charlotte, N.C. With the tie, the Panthers record is 0-1-1 in the young season.
“It was a great game for both teams, and honestly could have gone either way,” said Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli. “We had great opportunities to win the game, but weren't able to come through. But, we played much better than we did against Kennesaw on Friday and we saw marked improvement by our squad.”
Georgia State scored the game's first mark when sophomore defender Kari Quinn unleashed a right footer into the corner off a Paige Beyer throw-in in the 21st minute.
The 49ers (1-0-1) matched the Panthers mark ten minutes after when Sara Jane Harris fed Kelsie Ormsby a throw-in just in front of the net. Ormsby, a senior who recorded three shots on goal, placed the ball in net in the 31st minute.
Both teams had opportunities to win the game late. Charlotte had three shots bounce off the posts, while the Panthers had two balls hit posts, including a 25 yard bomb in the second overtime period by Candace Gonzales which dropped in front of the goal, only to be cleared away.
The Panthers also had chances on two breakaways in the second half, but were unable to close the game. Freshman Mary Kate Fisher broke free both times, only to see one shot stuffed by the 49ers keeper and the other sail wide of the net.
“It was frustrating to give up the goal to tie, but this was a great result against an great team,” said Martelli. “We used the same system we changed to late in the Kennesaw game and are trying to adapt to what works best for us. We have been able to sure up the defense and passing game and I think we've made some rapid improvement.”
The tie against the 49ers, who are ranked 11th in the Southeast Region by Soccerbuzz.com, is the first for the Panthers since Oct. 14, 2004, when Georgia State ended competition 0-0 against former Atlantic Sun foe Campbell; the Panthers went the entire 2005 season without a tie.
Of concern for the Panthers, the 49ers held an 18-11 shot advantage, marking the second-straight game the Panthers have been out shot. Quinn led the Panthers in shots with four, while sophomore Kay Harbrueger and Fisher each had two. Sophomore goalkeeper Charlotte Vargo recorded eight saves, giving her 14 on the season.
The Panthers return to action on Friday, September 1, against Tennessee Tech in Macon, Ga. for the Mercer LQ Cup at 4 p.m.
Box Score
