Miami, Fla. - The Georgia State men's soccer team (2-0-2) used a late goal from sophomore Yasser Majluf with less than five minutes remaining in regulation to defeat Florida International, 3-2, on a rainy day in Miami.
Majluf scored his first goal of the season and his second career game-winner to help the Panthers remain undefeated on the season.
"It was a critical goal, and we challenge Yasser (Majluf) to have a mentality of being more goal hungry and being more aggressive," said head coach Brett Surrency.
Georgia State had to endure an hour lightning delay after playing the first half before both teams could start the second half of play.
"I think we felt pretty good about the way we played, the boys came out ready to play," said Surrency.
The Panthers used the delay to its advantage, scoring the first goal in the match just two minutes into the second half to take a 1-0 lead. Sophomore midfielder Eric Lawrence found the back of the net for his first goal of the season in the 47th minute.
FIU bounced back in the 70th minute, when off a corner kick Georgia State was called for a foul inside the box leading to a penalty kick for Florida International. Michael Muhseler beat goalkeeper Vincent Foermer for the equalizer to make the score 1-1.
Eight minutes later, FIU took the lead for the first time in the match when Mario Uribe made a nice pass to Muhseler, who scored his second goal of the game to give Florida International a 2-1 lead.
In a furious pace, two minutes later the Panthers responded off a set-piece from Lawrence to even the game once again at 2-2. Lawrence fired a shot over the Florida International wall and into the back of the net for his second goal of the game.
"Eric is beginning to become dangerous on set pieces, His goal with under ten minutes was huge and Eric Lawrence is a big time player for us and he stepped when we needed someone to step up," said Surrency.
Georgia State goalkeeper Foermer finished the game with four saves to earn the victory.
The Panthers finished the game with 10 shots including four on goal. Lawrence and Majluf each had three shots to lead Georgia State.
Each goal scored this season has been scored by a sophomore.
"I think going undefeated on an away trip with a young team is a pretty nice accomplishment, said Surrency. "Every step is a step towards conference and I am so proud of the guys for fighting back and getting this win."
Georgia State returns home to face Presbyterian College on Friday at 7 p.m. in Panthersville.
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