ATLANTA - Georgia State had plenty of opportunities but just couldn't convert a game-winner against USC Upstate, earning a 1-1 tie Saturday night in Panthersville. Sophomore Alex Vivanco scored his first goal of the season, off a penalty kick, as the Panthers are 1-0-1 after two games in the 2010 season.

The Panthers and Spartans battled in the first half, ending with a 0-0 tie after Georgia State had five shots while holding Upstate to just two shots. The Panthers best opportunity came in the 37th minute, when sophomore forward Yasser Majluf had a shot on goal that Spartans keeper Jason McCabe made the save, to keep the game tied.

"We came out with some fire and aggression that showed in our play throughout the first half," said head coach Brett Surrency. "This was something we worked on during training leading up to the game and I felt we did that."

Georgia State struck first early in the second half at the 51:26 mark, when sophomore midfielder Gimel Gordon was taking down inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Panthers. Sophomore midfielder Vivanco sprinted up to take the penalty kick and blasted it into the back of the net.

"Penalty kicks are all about confidence and Alex Vivanco stepped up by putting it into the back of the net for us," said Surrency.

20 minutes later during the 72nd minute, Upstate responded with an equalizer to tie the score at 1-1. Junior Tim Bailey put a cross into the box where teammate Maurice Beggs fired a shot past the keeper to even the game at 1-1 for Upstate.

At the end of regulation, the Panthers held a 12-to-5 advantage in shots, heading into overtime.

"I told the guys that in overtime everyone is tired that you have to dig deep and it's all about heart," said Surrency.

In the first overtime the Panthers best opportunity came in the 98th minute, when Vivanco fired a shot that went just high over the goal.

In the second overtime the Panthers had a couple of corner kicks in the final minute but Gordon's attempt on goal was blocked by the Spartan's defense.

Georgia State finished the game with 15 shots including four on goal, while allowing just eight shots for Upstate.

Georgia State returns to the pitch next weekend when the Panthers travel to the sunshine state to take on Florida Atlantic on Friday in Boca Raton, Fla. at 7 p.m.

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