Macon, Ga. (September 14, 2008) A second place finish after a 2-1 win over host Mercer and three players named All-Tournament finished out the weekend for the Georgia State men's soccer team.
Defender Francesco Barbera, midfielder Joe Castaldo, and goalkeeper Filipe Carvalho were named All-Tournament for the Mercer University Wingate by Wyndham Classic. Barbera and Castaldo each scored their first career goal as a Panther and Carvalho finished the weekend with four saves.
The Panthers managed to get on the board first early in the first half during Sunday afternoon's game. Barbera shot a header into the top left corner of the goal off of a jump ball. Georgia State scored again just 20 minutes later when junior Stephan Minyono assisted Castaldo, who was able to send the ball into the top right corner from 10 yards out.
“We had two great goals today that showed great build-up out of the back. Francesco had an amazing finish as he put us on the board first and Stephan was able to get the ball to a composed Joe Castaldo who put the ball into the corner of the goal,” remarked Georgia State coach Kerem Daser. “I liked that we had many different players scoring goals this weekend. Linus Warendh scored our only goal on Saturday while Francesco and Joe Castaldo scored for us today.”
Minyono recorded three shots for the afternoon and is now tied with Warendh as they lead the team in shots, each having 11 so far on the season. Freshman defender Christopher Peacos also logged his first shot as a Panther. The Panthers out shot the Bears from Mercer 8-7.
“I felt that we were flat in the first half today and that it was a very back and forth game. Mercer is a very disciplined and hard-working team. But I think we learned from the Clemson match and that we need to hang onto the lead when we have it. I feel we were able to finish the game today and it was a good weekend. We're looking forward to the Wofford Tournament next weekend and the Furman game because Furman is always one of the top programs in the country and that will help prepare us for conference play,” finished Daser.
The Panthers are now 3-2 on the season and will play in the Wofford Tournament next weekend. First up is Furman on Friday, September 19th at 5 p.m. and Wofford on Sunday, September 21st at 3:30 p.m.
