Atlanta, Ga. (September 11, 2009) The Georgia State Panthers battled to a 1-1 tie against the Mercer Bears in double overtime Friday night in Panthersville. Freshman Gimel Gordon scored the only goal for the Panthers, whose record now stands at 1-1-1 on the season.
Georgia State playing its home opener showed great toughness early on in the match. The Panthers had plenty of opportunities coming early when three minutes into the match freshman Eric Lawrence fired a shot on net that was saved by Mercer keeper Brett Petricek.
"It was a great battle between us & Mercer and this type of game always happens when we play our in-state rivals, said Head Coach Kerem Daser."
After playing a 0-0 first half the Panthers were determined to score the first goal in this match. Both teams finished the first half with two shots a piece on goal.
The Panthers struck first in the 75th minute when freshman Gimel Gordon received a pass from teammate Eric Lawrence and Gordon beat the keeper to score his first collegiate goal of his career for Georgia State.
"Terrific pass from Eric (Lawrence) to Gimel (Gordon) and it was nice to see Gimel score his first goal with us."
Just three minutes later the Bears countered as a foul occurred just outside the Panthers box when midfielder Ian Cameron blasted a free kick into the left corner of the net to even the score at 1-1.
"Give credit to Mercer for battled back and sending this game into overtime, it was sure an exciting battled, commented Daser."
Eight minutes after the Mercer goal, there was some physical play going on between both teams and resulted in a red card being given to freshman Gimel Gordon causing the Panthers to play shorthanded for the rest of the match.
Georgia State battled with a man down to send the game into overtime thanks to a stellar defensive effort from Panthers keeper Vincent Foermer who finished the game with four saves.
In the 99th minute of play the Mercer bears committed a costly foul inside the box resulting in a penalty kick for the Panthers. Freshman Eric Lawrence fired a shot near the right corner and Bears keeper Petricek made a terrific save to preserve the game for Mercer.
"You have to give credit to their keeper, who made an exciting save to keep the game tied in the overtime."
After two exciting overtimes the Panthers ended the match in a 1-1 tie against Mercer. Georgia State finished the game with 12 shots including three on net.
"We appreciate the fan support and the alumni for coming out to the match, we look forward to another home game next weekend against Gardner-Webb.
Georgia State returns to action next Friday traveling to Jacksonville, Fla. to take on the North Florida Ospreys at 5 p.m. The Panthers next home match is against Gardner-Webb on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.
