Georgia State men’s soccer faced Belmont in its last game before Sun Belt play begins and recorded a loss as they gave up two goals in the second-half.
Georgia State had the first chance in the eighth minute, but Belmont Bruins goalkeeper Grayson Rector was able to stop defender Bo Stroup’s long-range effort. Belmont responded in the 12th minute, but Panthers goalkeeper CJ Cochran was up for the save.
Panthers midfielder Andy Anglade cut in from the left and had a low shot that was saved in the 40th minute in what was the last major chance of the half. The first half ended at 0-0 and Cochran was replaced by Luke Oesterle in goal.
The Bruins started the half on the front foot and created sustained pressure on the Panthers that led to the opening goal. Oesterle was forced to make his first save in the 55th minute; in the 59th minute he made a leaping save to push the ball over the crossbar.
On the resulting corner kick a near-post header beat Oesterle and gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead. The Bruins sustained pressure and grabbed another goal in the 62nd minute. Bruins player Joao Fonesca fired a shot on goal and Oesterle made the initial save, but the rebound fell to a Bruins player for an easy tap-in.
The Panthers now look towards their first Sun Belt match on Oct. 11 against NJIT in Newark, N.J.
