ATLANTA — Georgia State men's soccer opened the 2026 season on a winning note, holding off USC Upstate 2–1 at home on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The Panthers (1-0-0) did their heavy lifting in a fast-paced first half, netting two goals before fending off a relentless second-half push by the Spartans (0-1-0).
HOW IT HAPPENED
David Martins-Jorge put Georgia State on the board first, finishing an assist from Kenny Yedmel to capture his first goal of the season.
USC Upstate answered ten minutes later when Matiwos Rumley struck off a pass from Jacob Cromedy to level the match.
Georgia State reclaimed the advantage just before halftime as Pavel Romero-Garmendia found the back of the net on an unassisted effort to put the Panthers ahead.
Georgia State saw great defensive efforts throughout the match from Joseph Ogwang, Joel Gonalez, Yverson-Monongo-Kuangu and goalie Finn Marchisen who ended the match with a total of five saves.
The Panthers will hit the road to face UAB in Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
GAME NOTES
- Finn Marchisen recorded five saves for the Panthers out of 19 total Spartans shots.
- Georgia St. scored one unassisted goal.
- Georgia St. recorded 10 shots on goal
The Panthers will hit the road to face UAB in Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
