Virgil Dall'Agnol

Panthers Travel to Winthrop in Search of First Victory

Georgia State (0-1-1, 0-0-0 SBC) vs. Winthrop (0-2-0, 0-0-0 Big South) 
Location: Rock Hill, S.C. 
Saturday, Aug. 30 @ 7 p.m. ET 
 
ATLANTA – The Panthers will look to even their record on the young season as they travel to Winthrop on Saturday following a draw and a loss in their first two games of the season.  
 
SERIES HISTORY 

Georgia State has dominated the all-time series with Winthrop, coming away victorious in all five of their meetings dating back to 2017. The teams needed two overtimes to settle their initial meeting, but the Panthers took each of their four following matchups by multiple scores. The last time the two faced off, in 2022, the Panthers tied their largest victory in the series, winning by a final score of 5-1.

EAGLES BETWEEN THE LINES 
Winthrop has yet to make their mark on the scoreboard thus far in the 2025 season. The Eagles suffered shutouts in each of their first two games, falling to Coastal Carolina by a score of 3-0 and Campbell by a tally of 2-0. Two of the team's top three scorers from a year ago made their return to Rock Hill for the 2025 campaign in the form of Junior Ethan Marks (six points) and Sophomore Ryan Armijo (five points). 
 
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 backline, while midfielder Virgil Dall'Agnol from Seton Hall provides both experience and leadership in the midfield. 
Rounding out the newcomers are five freshmen. Ange TapchomLeo 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. 
 
UP NEXT 
The Panthers roadtrip continues next Wednesday, September 3, when they take the short trip to Macon, Ga. to take on Mercer at 7 P.M. EST. 
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