Georgia State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 SBC) vs. USC Upstate (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Big South)
Location: Spartanburg, S.C.
Thursday, Aug. 21 @ 7 p.m. ET
ATLANTA - Head Coach Brett Surrency enters his 16th season at the helm as the Panthers kickstart the 2025 campaign on the road in Spartanburg, S.C., taking on USC Upstate Thursday, August 21 at 7 p.m.
SERIES HISTORY
Georgia State owns a 6-1-1 advantage in the all-time series and has proven comfortable away from home, going 3-1 in Spartanburg since the first meeting back in 2009. Five of the eight meetings were decided by just a single goal. Georgia State's longest run of success came with four straight victories from 2016 to 2022.
SPARTANS BETWEEN THE LINES
Last season, finished with a 3-14 overall record and a 2-5 mark in Big South play. The Spartans had difficulty gaining momentum, ending the year on a three-game losing streak and posting just one win in their last five contests. Despite the challenges, the Spartans earned shutout victory over East Tennessee State, along with a narrow 2-1 win at Presbyterian and a 3-2 win over Radford. Offensively, USC Upstate managed only 20 goals across 17 matches, while defensively, they conceded 59.
THE RETURNING RUMBLE
Georgia State brings back a solid foundation from last season. Senior forward Matthew Taylor is back as a key attacking option after finishing second on the team with four goals. In midfield, seniors Gavin Williams and Braiden Hall, along with graduate student Tom Williams, bring valuable experience after combining for multiple starts in 2024. On the back line, graduate student Hideto Gondo and senior Tom Fillaudeau return to anchor the defense.
FRESH FACE FRENZY
Georgia State will feature a number of new faces on the roster in 2025 with a total of 10 newcomers. Forward Samir Djeha from the University of Montreal, who joins the Panthers after a breakout freshman season that included seven goals, two assists, and RSEQ Rookie of the Year honors. Goalkeeper Loan Marin, a transfer from Presbyterian College, is expected to be a key presence in net after starting all 18 matches in 2024 with four clean sheets. Midfielder Sandro Sacha Rabarivony, also from Presbyterian, adds experience and attacking threat from the middle of the pitch. Defender Joel Gonzalez from Kentucky brings depth to the back line, while midfielder Virgil Dall'Agnol from Seton Hall provides both experience and leadership in the midfield.
Rounding out the newcomers are five freshmen. Ange Tapchom, Leo Kriel, and Brandon Graham bring fresh energy to the midfield. In the net, Jackson Burrell adds to the goalkeeper roster, while forward Austin Chavarria-Flores joins the attacking third. Each player brings high-level youth to the Panthers' roster.
THE SURRENCY SURGE
Appointed head coach before the 2010 season, Surrency has become the winningest coach in Georgia State men's soccer history last season, amassing 145 victories. He has guided the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including its first-ever postseason win in 2021, and led the Panthers to their first Sun Belt Regular Season and Tournament titles in 2018. Over his 15 seasons, Surrency has consistently produced successful teams, achieving nine or more wins in 10 seasons, seven conference tournament championship game appearances, and six ranked wins. He has also set program records for season starts, scoring and RPI ranking, and coached GSU's first MLS signee, Michael Nwiloh.
SEASON OPENERS
Georgia State is 3-2-1 in their last six season openers, including a shutout tie to open last season vs. Belmont on Aug. 22, 2024.
UP NEXT
The Panthers stay on the road up north to take on UNC Asheville on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 6:00 p.m.
