FAIRFAX, Va. – The Georgia State women's soccer team couldn't
overcome two early goals from George Mason on Friday night and fell 2-1.
The Patriots (6-10-1, 2-5-1CAA) had a hot start in the match
against the Panthers (4-10-1, 1-7), scoring two goals in the opening 10 minutes
of the game. The Patriots' Liz Hodges scored her sixth goal of the season just
18 seconds into the match in a blast from 35-yards out. Nicole Clark added to
the Patriots' lead eight minutes later with her header that came off of a
corner kick.
In the 28th minute, Georgia State was finally
able to get on the board. Freshman Ashley Nagy scored her first career goal off
a tricky pass from Alison Gonzalez. George Mason would attempt two more shots
in the half, but the score would stay the same heading into halftime.
Both teams had opportunities for goals in the second half.
Sophomore Whitney Ravan took a shot on goal in the 55th minute, but
Patriots goalkeeper Lyndse Hokanson made her only save of the night. Panther
goalkeeper Rebecca Toler had four saves and two goals against. Two of Toler's
saves came in the second half.
"I'm extremely disappointed with the way we started the match," coach Derek Leader said. "They took their first shot at 18 seconds and scored. We didn't wake up then, and they scored again on their second shot eight minutes into the match. After that, we started playing better. I'm very proud of Ashley Nagy. She has had a hard time scoring so far this season, so for her to get a goal in this match is exciting for her. She's gotten more playing time over the past few matches, and was moved to forward. Unfortunately, we just couldn't find the equalizing goal."
The Panthers will have a short break before their next
match. They will travel to Towson, Md., to take on Towson on Sunday at 1 p.m.
