THE OPENING KICK: After going 0-2-1 to start the season, Georgia State looks for its first win of the season hosting Western Carolina on Sep. 1 at 1:00 p.m.

RETURNING PANTHERS: Georgia State welcomes back a majority of last seasons production, including top goal scorer Aaliyah Faddoul and leading goalkeeper Jaddah Foos. The Panthers also return graduate student Callee Maughon, who started every match last season and scored the winning goal in the Panthers Sun Belt Tournament win in 2023. Midfielder Elena Diaz and defender Therese Brink look to help provide much-needed veteran leadership for the Panthers this season.
> Senior Bree Barley scored her season-first goal and assist in the Panthers' first game of the season against Chattanooga (Aug. 15).
> Sophomore Aaliyah Faddoul was named Sun Belt Freshman of the Year last season and Preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year this season.
> Goalkeeper Jaddah Foos was named to the second-team All-Sun Belt last season. Foos ranks tied for fourth in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 4.33 saves per match.
> Midfielder Elena Diaz is tied for the team lead with one assist

NEW FACES: The Panthers have 12 true freshmen this season. Six newcomers are from Georgia while the others come from Richmond, Va., San Antonio Tx., Madrid, Spain, Dallas, Tx., and Huntsville, Al.
» Freshman Sunniyah Tucker scored her first career goal in the Panthers season opening 2-2 draw against Chattanooga. (Aug.15) 

MONITORING MAUGHON: Defender Callee Maughon has appeared in 79 games for the Panthers in her career. She is nine games behind the record of 88 games set last season by Eva Diez Lois. 

SERIES HISTORY: Georgia State and Western Carolina played to a 2-2 draw in their previous match on Aug. 31, 2023 at Western Carolina. The Panthers are 3-0-1 all-time against Western Carolina. 

Next, the Panthers host in-state rival Kennesaw State on Thursday, Sep. 5, at the GSU Soccer Complex.