PANTHERSVILLE, GA. ? The Georgia State University women's soccer team scored three unanswered goals to defeat Mercer University, 3-0, on Wednesday afternoon and junior forward Kay Harbrueger recorded a goal, an assist and three shots on goal in the victory.
The Panthers controlled play throughout most of the contest, conceding little action to a Mercer team that entered the contest without a loss, and Georgia State was able to record a three-goal victory in their home opener that marked the team's first contest and win on the new soccer field at the Panthersville Athletics Complex.
“To record our first win on our new field was exciting,” said Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli. “To be able to have two tough games over the weekend and turn around and win this game by three goals is great.”
Georgia State (2-1-0, 0-0-0) took the lead in the 20th minute when Harbrueger placed a low cross in front of the Mercer goal where senior forward Nathalie Carter ripped a shot into the bottom left corner of the net.
Mercer (1-1-1, 0-0-0) attempted to answer the Panthers' goal early in the second half as they maintained possession on offense on a number of occasions. However, Georgia State pushed their advantage to two when freshman forward Stephanie Cuccia gathered a Carter pass, sidestepped the goalkeeper and touched the ball into the net for her first collegiate goal in the 59th minute.
Georgia State would strike again in the 72nd minute when Harbrueger broke free of two Bears defenders to drill the ball into the back of the net, marking her second goal of the young season.
All three starting forwards for the Panthers scored in the contest and Georgia State played every available player on their roster in the game.
Georgia State also recorded their first shutout of the season and used each goalkeeper on their roster in the contest. Redshirt junior Charlotte Vargo started in goal and recorded one save, freshman Heidi Blankenship opened the second half for the Panthers and recorded two saves in 27 minutes of playing time and senior Megan Macdonald closed out the game for State and played 17 minutes.
Harbrueger led the way for Georgia State and recorded four shots in the contest. Cuccia recorded two shots and three additional Panthers each had one.
For Mercer, Meghan Castaldo, Catie Marshalek and Erin Theobald each tallied one shot.
Georgia State outshot their opponent nine to three in the game and recorded one more corner kick, with five to four.
The Panthers return to action this Friday as they play host to Big East for Pittsburgh (2-0-0, 0-0-0), who has recorded two consecutive shut outs to open the season, at 2 p.m.
“Pitt is a very strong team from a one of the best conference in the country where they get tested every game,” said Martelli. “This is going to be a great opportunity for us to play against a high level of competition.”
Check GeorgiaStateSports.com for previews of this weekend's matches.
