Georgia State (1-1-1, 0-0-0 SBC) vs. Mercer (1-2-1, 0-0-0 SoCon) 
Location: Macon, Ga. 
Wednesday, Sep. 3 @ 7 p.m. 
 
ATLANTA – The Panthers will look to turn their first victory of the season into their first winning streak when they take the short trip up I-85 to take on Mercer on Wednesday night. 
 
SERIES HISTORY 
Georgia State has enjoyed a historic advantage against their in-state rivals from Macon. The Panthers have lost to Mercer just once in their last 10 matchups, a stretch that included six straight victories from 2017-2021. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting on October 15, 2024 thanks to the heroics of current Panther Tom Williams, who provided the assist for the late equalizing goal.

BEARS BETWEEN THE LINES 
Mercer opened their season with a home victory over Oglethorpe, but has yet to take down a Division I opponent on the season. Liam Corr provided an early score against Evansville, but the Bears could not break the 1-1 tie in the second half in a draw with the Aces. Their most recent roadtrip took them to Tennessee, where they fell by identical 2-0 scores to Memphis and Lipscomb to fall to 1-2-1 on the campaign.
 
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 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. 
 
UP NEXT 
The Panthers play their home opener on Monday, September 8, when they take on visiting Lipscomb at the GSU Soccer Complex at 6 p.m.