Clemson, SC. (September 1, 2008) Seniors Dathan Knott and Linus Warendh scored the two Panther goals as the Georgia State men's soccer team fell to Clemson University 3-2 on Monday evening in Clemson, SC. Georgia State jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but host Clemson responded with three second half goals as the Tigers claimed a win over the Panthers on opening night.

The Panthers started out strong as senior forward Knott scored first at the 34:42 mark. Junior midfielder Stephan Minyono sent a pass from the end line and crossed the ball near the left post. Knott tapped the ball in the goal from two yards out. “That was a great first goal,” commented Coach Kerem Daser. “Stephan beat two players on the left side and Dathan came in for the tap in. He was at the right place at the right time to make it 1-0.”

Georgia State scored again on a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. Midfielder Linus Warendh converted the penalty kick in the upper left corner of the goal to score his first collegiate goal.

Georgia State would lead past 75 minutes played before Clemson began its rally. The host Tigers scored three goals in the final 11:48, including the game-winner with 4:13 left.

“I think that we played an outstanding first half and Clemson came into the 2nd half ready to play. We had a great 75 minutes, but I was disappointed with the last 15. I give Clemson credit for their comeback. They have a talented team and to beat them, you have to play the full 90 minutes. We definitely learned from this and it will help us prepare for the upcoming conference games,” said Coach Daser.

The Panthers are back in action on Saturday, September 6th as they take on Presbyterian College at 2:00 p.m. for the home opener. All home soccer matches are played at Panthersville.