ATLANTA – In the Panthers' second exhibition of the preseason, the Georgia State men's soccer team played Georgia Southwestern on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the GSU Soccer Complex. The Panthers dominated for most of the game except on the scoreboard as the Hurricanes left Atlanta with a 2-1 win.
GSU threatened first in the 9thminute. Aaron Jones curled a free kick on target but Georgia Southwestern goalkeeper Garrett Blamire made a diving save to keep the match scoreless. On the ensuing corner, Jones delivered a dangerous ball into the box that found Jad Elkhalil. However, his header deflected off the left post and a Hurricane defender was able to clear it away from danger.
In the 31st minute, Jones fired a free kick from a tight angle that was heading for the top left corner, but Blamire made a leaping stop to keep the match knotted 0-0. Eight minutes later, Georgia Southwestern struck on a quick counter attack to grab the lead. A low cross was sent into the box toward DJ Garrett, whose first attempted was blocked. He was then able knock in the rebound to give the Canes a 1-0 lead.
Georgia State continued to attack but were unable to find an equalizer and the first half ended with the Panthers trailing 1-0. At the break, GSU made eight changes as Surrency and his staff continue to rotate the squad during preseason.
Four minutes into the second half the Panthers were awarded a penalty kick when Tyler Alexander was brought down in the box by Hurricane keeper Blamire. Stephen McGill took the spot kick but was denied by Blamire who saved the shot with his legs despite diving to his right.
The Panthers finally broke through with a goal in the 52ndminute to tie the match at one. Ali Elkhalil drove a low cross into the six yard box but it was deflected. The ball fell to Alexander who was able to fire it past Blamire and into the back of the net. The goal was Alexander's second of the preseason.
Georgia Southwestern retook the lead in the 64th minute when Isaac Avilla slotted Ron Calle's cross past GSU goalkeeper Greyson Walldorff. The Panthers continued to test the Hurricane defense over the final 26 minutes but were unable to find a second goal.
Georgia State will continue training this week before wrapping the preseason on the road against Kentucky in the team's final exhibition. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.
