HUNTINGTON, -- Georgia State Dominates Marshall with 4-1 Win, Alondra Nieves Scores Twice and Aaliyah Faddoul Records Three Assists.
The Panthers quickly earned their first corner kick in the 4th minute. Then, in the 6th minute, Elena Diaz spotted Aaliyah Faddoul sprinting down the side of the pitch. Faddoul delivered a precise cross, and Alondra Nieves outmaneuvered the goalie to open the scoring for Georgia State, making it 1-0.
Georgia State maintained their offensive pressure, registering three shots on target over the following 15 minutes. The first came from Jimena Cabrero, followed by a header by Eva Diez Lois off a corner kick. The final attempt was a powerful strike from Aaliyah Faddoul, all of which forced the Marshall goalkeeper to make crucial saves. In the 25th minute, Marshall capitalized on their first corner kick of the half, heading the ball into the net past Jaddah Foos to even the score at 1-1.
Georgia State wasted no time in responding, as Bree Barley capitalized on a back pass to the goalkeeper in the 31st minute, scoring into the open net. This marked her second goal of the season and gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead, which they held onto until halftime.
In the first half, Georgia State asserted its dominance, registering 11 shots compared to Marshall's three. The Panthers also led in shots on target, with five compared to Marshall's one. Additionally, Georgia State had a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks as they headed into halftime.
The second half kicked off with a slow pace, and for the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to register a shot. However, the Panthers quickly changed the tempo, firing off three shots within a minute. In the 67th minute, Ana Diaz delivered a precise pass to Aaliyah Faddoul, who skillfully evaded two defenders and sent a powerful, low cross across the box. Alondra Nieves capitalized on the opportunity, netting her seventh goal of the season and securing her second goal of the game.
Ten minutes later, in the 77th minute, Olivia Shaw delivered a well-placed cross into the box. Aaliyah Faddoul managed to make contact with the ball, cleverly tipping it to Maddie Johnston, who skillfully maneuvered past the goalkeeper and found the back of the net, securing her third goal of the season and extending the score to 4-1 in favor of the Panthers.
Marshall would register their first shot on target of the half in the 87th minute when Jaddah Foos made her first and only save of the game, securing the 4-1 victory for the Panthers.
Georgia State concluded the match with an 18 to four advantage in shots and a nine to two advantage in shots on target. Additionally, Georgia State held the lead in corner kicks, with a count of five to one.
With seven goals this season, Alondra Nieves has now tied Aaliyah Faddoul for the team lead in goals.
The victory improved Georgia St.'s record to 8-3-4 overall and 4-2-1 in Sun Belt action.
The Panthers are set to return to the pitch on Thursday, October 19th, for a home match against James Madison.
For all things Georgia State soccer, follow the team on social media as the Panthers continue the 2023 fall season.
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