Winston-Salem, N.C. - The Georgia State men's soccer team dropped its first exhibition match of the season, 3-1, against No. 3 Wake Forest on Saturday night at W. Dennie Spry Stadium.
The Demon Deacons started the game with two early goals to take an early 2-0 advantage. Wake scored the first goal in the 2nd minute, when freshman Jared Watts fired a header into the back of the net, off a corner kick from teammate Chris Duvall.
Three minutes later, the Demon Deacons used another corner kick to their advantage and freshman Luca Gimenez scored with a header to make the score 2-0. Duvall earned his second assist of the game after taking the corner kick.
"We were disappointed in the first-half after giving up two early goals, but I was proud of the way our guys responded throughout the game," stated head coach Brett Surrency.
The Panthers regrouped and began to settle down in the 17th minute when sophomore Alex Vivanco found sophomore Gimel Gordon, who blasted a shot from 16 yards out, scoring on the left side of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the first half of play.
"Gimel made a great run down the backline and Vivanco made a nice pass which Gimel used to strike a great goal for us. It was a well-struck shot and helped us settle into the game."
Sophomore goalkeeper Vincent Foermer started the game for the Panthers and surrendered two early goals, before settling into the game. In the 21st minute, Foermer blocked a shot from Watts and 10 minutes later, stopped a shot by Wake sophomore Andy Lubahn.
Right before half-time in the 40th minute, Wake Forest added an insurance goal when Watts placed a perfect cross to teammate Andy Lubahn, who slid in and scored to give the Demon Deacons a 3-1 lead at the half.
At the start of the second half, Wake Forest substituted senior goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald into the game, who was tested immediately, but able to make some key stops. Vivanco had a chance to tighten the game five minutes into the second half, but Fitzgerald made one of his key saves.
The second half was back-and-forth throughout until the 79th minute when sophomore Eric Lawrence had his shot attempt blocked, earning the Panthers a corner kick. Off the corner kick, junior defender Christopher Peacos had his header shot stopped by Fitzgerald, who again came up with another key save to hold off any Panther rally.
One minute later, the Demon Deacons were on the attack when freshman Kofi Agyapong had a chance to increase the lead, but Foermer came up with another save.
"I was really proud of the effort the guys showed in the second half, having some opportunities on goal. I hope this sets the blue print for how we want to play in the future."
Foermer finished the game with two saves and played all 90 minutes of the exhibition.
Freshmen Evan Scott and Michael Nwiloh made their debuts for the Panthers, each getting a taste of collegiate soccer with Nwiloh earning the start at defender, playing a total of 34 minutes.
State finished the game with five shots, including three on goal and only committed 10 fouls, while Wake Forest committed 16.
"We are really stressing discipline and structure to the guys and it showed in the second half by playing Wake Forest even. This is an indicator of how I hope the guys play throughout the season."
Georgia State returns to the pitch on Wednesday for their second exhibition game against the UAB starting at 7 p.m. in Panthersville.
