STATESBORO, -- Georgia State came up short against Georgia Southern, losing 2-1 on Wednesday, October 11, at Eagle Field. The Panthers fought hard throughout the match but couldn't secure a victory, despite a goal from Alondra Nieves.

The game began with both teams attempting shots within the first five minutes. In the 7th minute, Georgia Southern earned a corner kick and capitalized by scoring their first goal. The goal came when a deflected shot landed at the feet of an open Georgia Southern striker inside the box.

Georgia State didn't back down, and in the 10th minute, Elena Diaz narrowly missed the target with a shot. The team earned two corner kicks over the next 20 minutes, but they were unable to convert them into goals.

In the 31st minute, Jaddah Foos came to the rescue with a crucial save, deflecting a powerful shot over the crossbar to prevent a goal, resulting in a corner kick for Georgia Southern. The Panthers managed to squeeze in two more shots before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Brooke Hart's attempt flew just over the left side of the net. Then, in the 44th minute, Elena Diaz unleashed another shot that demanded a fine save from the Georgia Southern goalkeeper, maintaining the score at 1-0 going into the break.

At halftime, Georgia Southern held the advantage in shots, leading six to four, and also in shots on target, with a two to one lead. The two teams were even in corner kicks, each having two opportunities.

The Panthers started the second half with a burst of energy, earning two corner kicks in the first four minutes. In the 53rd minute, Jimena Cabrero had two excellent opportunities. Her first shot was on target, and the second was a rebound that went just wide of the goal.

Georgia Southern managed the next five shots over the course of 20 minutes, but the Panthers' backline held strong, denying any significant goal-scoring opportunities. Georgia State had their next chance in the 66th minute. Off a corner kick, Eva Diez Lois headed the ball towards the goal, but a Georgia Southern defender made an exceptional save by clearing the ball just before it crossed the goal line.

Georgia State would then take five shots in the following 15 minutes, desperately seeking the equalizer. However, they were unable to find the back of the net. In the 84th minute, Georgia Southern broke out on a counter-attack and was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick. The Georgia Southern striker calmly converted the penalty, extending their lead to 2-0.

The Panthers refused to surrender, and in the 86th minute, Alondra Nieves received a precise pass from Brooke Hart and unleashed a powerful strike that sailed past the goalkeeper, narrowing the score to 2-1. Despite their determined efforts, the Panthers couldn't find the equalizer in the remaining four minutes, and the game concluded with a 2-1 score.

During the second half, the Panthers were in control, outshooting Georgia Southern 11 to 9. Both teams had three shots on target each. Georgia State also excelled in earning eight corner kicks, surpassing Georgia Southern's five.

The loss dropped Georgia St.'s record to 7-3-4 overall and 3-2-1 in Sun Belt action.

The Panthers will hit the road on Saturday, October 14th, to take on Marshall at 6 pm.

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