ATLANTA-   Freshman Matthew Taylor scores his first collegiate goal in the Panthers home opener. The Panthers faced in-state foe, the Mercer Bears on Sunday night at the GSU Soccer Facility where both teams came away with a draw. 

The Panthers only had three shots on goal in the first half. The first shot came from Matthew Taylor who came close to a goal in the 18th minute but it was saved by Trevor McMullin. Tristan Jumeau and Tom Williams both tried for a shot but was blocked by Mercer. 

Ramon Munoz picked up a red card in the 68th minute when he came down on the opposing player, defending the ball. The red card gave the Panthers the disadvantage of 10-11 players. 

Gunther Rankenburg had two saves in the second half before the Bears scored in the 82nd minute. 

Mercer's Chad Eldridge scored his first goal of the season in the 82nd minute, assisted by Kim Kevin. The goal put the Bears in the lead 1-0 with eight minutes to go. 

The Panthers continued to batlle when in the 88th minute of the match Carlos Luna found Matthew Taylor for the goal and the assist. The goal tied the game 1-1 with 1:30 to go.  

Neither team could put it away and ended the match in a draw.

The Panthers will be back in action at home this Friday, September 2 at 6 p.m. as they face Winthrop.  

Follow Georgia State men's soccer on twitter and instagram (@GSUMenssoccer) as the Panthers continue the 2022 season.