This past season saw the men’s soccer team come up short in most of their games, but they may have ended the season with something to look forward to.
Georgia State opened the season by winning the Mike Gibbs Memorial Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla.
The team went on to lose 12 out of their next 14 games before winning the last two games of the season.
Injuries were constant all season, forcing head coach Brett Surrency to rely on his young inexperience players.
“Because of a ton of injuries we were able to play a lot of younger players last fall,” coach Surrency said. “Those guys are still around and the experience they were able to gain was invaluable.”
The Panthers have eight seniors graduating including forward/midfielder Alex Vivanco, the team leader in goals (9) and points (19).
Despite the departure of Vivanco, Coach Surrency believes that Caleb Kernan will be the guy that can lead the team in scoring next fall.
“If [Kernan] can stay healthy, he has the potential to become a vital player in our attack,” coach Surrency said.
This year’s signing class consists of 6 local recruits and one international player.
Highlighted by Everick Little (named to the US Youth Soccer Association National Champion Best 11 team in 2012) and Salomon Lorenzano (named All-State selection, Region Player of the Year, Fayette County Player of the Year and MVP of the GSCA All-Star Game in 2012), the new additions have given Coach Surrency optimism for 2013 season.
“This is a very strong recruiting class and we expect a few of them to come in and compete straight away,” Surrrency said. ” We have a strong group of players returning so the level of competition should be very high and ultimately that should raise the level of the team.”
The team wrapped up their spring season last Saturday with their annual Alumni Game at the GSU Soccer Complex.
