ATLANTA – Five second-half goals highlighted an intense rivalry match-up as Mercer edged the Georgia State men's soccer team 3-2 on Thursday night. The Panthers equalized twice in an exciting final 25 minutes but it was not enough as an 87th-minute winner gave the Bears the victory.

Georgia State, ranked No. 10 in the Southeast in the first NSCAA poll, fell to 1-2 on the season while Mercer improved to 1-2. Mercer had lost to No. 7 region South Carolina and No. 8 overall-ranked Clemson.

The first half saw each team only manufacture one quality scoring chance each. The second half started much the same until the game opened up in the 65th minute. Mark Riggins scored for Mercer off a nice pass by Will Bagrou to put the Bears on top.

However the lead was short lived as Amiri Abraham equalized for the Panthers less than a minute later. Eddie Wilding whipped in a dangerous corner kick to the far post, where Abraham outjumped a defender and found the back of the net.

The Bears reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute thanks to a goal by Will Bagrou with an assist from Jourdan Gooden. However, once again GSU wasted little time as Nenad Smiljanic tied the score 2-2 two minutes later off a perfect pass by Wilding. The final 14 minutes were up down with both teams creating quality chances.

However, it was Mercer who secured the win in the 87th minute when Jordan Duru scored directly off a corner kick. GSU had one final opportunity in the final minute but two Panthers were unable to reach Smiljanic's low cross across the six-yard box.

Both GSU losses have come on a goal late in the match.

Georgia State will return to action next Friday, Sept. 11, facing Gardner-Webb in Birmingham, Ala.