Atlanta, Ga. (November 1, 2008) It was all about the seniors Saturday afternoon as the two Panther goals were scored by seniors Eduardo Liza and Joe DeVito with an assist by Linus Warendh as the Georgia State men's soccer team shut out the Towson Tigers 2-0 for their first conference win.
In a tough offensive game where the score stayed at an even 0-0 until the 73rd minute, the Panthers managed to persevere and record the shut out. DeVito managed to dodge a Tiger defender and score his first goal of the season off an assist from fellow senior Warendh. That is the fourth assist for Warendh, who also leads the team with 40 shots.
“Linus had a great pass to Joe, who went down the right side and was able to score a goal. It was great to see him score the game winner on Senior Day. He showed a lot of composure on that goal,” said Georgia State coach Kerem Daser.
After a breakaway that was halted by Towson goalkeeper, John Steele, Liza managed to again separate from the rest of the pack and net the ball into the lower left corner for the second Panther goal. That goal marked Liza's first of the season and second career.
“I'm very proud of Eduardo and what he managed to do today. He showed a lot of character and heart to come back solo after his first breakaway was unsuccessful. It was great that he has that character to come right back and try it again,” remarked Daser.
With the win, the Panthers are now 5-8-4 and 1-6-3 in CAA play. This is their best record since joining the CAA in 2005. Towson drops to 7-5-5 overall and 3-2-4 in the CAA.
“This was the best game that the team has played all year against a strong Towson team,” remarked Daser. “All of the seniors played big for us this afternoon, especially the four in the back; defenders Spenser Sumpter, Francesco Barbera, Joe DeVito, and Filipe Carvalho in goal.”
Carvalho finished the contest with 6 saves and recorded his third shutout this season, his 8th career. “Filipe was once again outstanding for us. He won everything in the air. I really believe that he is one of the top goalkeepers in the CAA and the country,” commented Daser.
The Panthers outshot the Tigers 17-12 with Warendh, DeVito, and Liza leading the Panther offense with four shots a piece while junior Stephan Minyono was not far behind with three shots for the afternoon. Forward Dathan Knott and midfielder Brett Cummins recorded one shot a piece.
“I'm very happy that we were able to finish Senior Day on a big note. Linus, Eduardo, and Dathan Knott all played a big game. I've really enjoyed having these guys on the team and it's going to be hard to replace this crew,” said Daser. “We're looking forward to our final game of the season against Delaware at home.”
The Panthers hit the pitch for the final time this season on Friday, November 11th at 3 p.m. as they play host to last place Delaware (2-12-3, 1-7-1) in Panthersville.
Livestats will be available at GeorgiaStateSports.com as well as the game recap immediately following the conclusion of the match.
