The Georgia State men’s soccer team began their season with a 2-0 loss to the Mercer Bears in the season opener.
The match began competitively, with both sides having good chances before the end of the first half. The first chance of the game fell to Mercer forcing Georgia State goalkeeper CJ Cochran into a smart save, but the Panthers responded well with three shots in the next seven minutes.
Both teams continued to trouble the other without really threatening, with both teams attempting 5 shots, none of which were on target. The half ended at 0-0 with the Panthers having a slight edge during the run of play.
The second half’s first chance fell to Mercer, who took a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Off a Bears corner, the ball was crossed into the Georgia State box where a deflected shot managed to beat Cochran. The goal seemed to invigorate the Panthers, with the team going on the offensive and having an attempt by Georgia State forward Jad Elkhalil saved.
The game was effectively killed off with Mercer’s second goal coming in the 88th minute. An onrushing Cochran was beat by a shot at the top left corner from the Bears.
The Panthers’ next two games come at the Gray Griffin Memorial Tournament in Greenville, SC. They kick off against the College of Charleston on Friday, Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m.
