ATLANTA- Junior Defender Charlie Ward notches a header in the final minutes of the match to clinch the win for Georgia State, 1-0. The Panthers took on the USC- Upstate Spartans Tuesday night in a battle to the very end. 

Ward started the match ultimately how he would end it. In the 4th minute of the match Ward had two header attempts on the goal but would be unsuccessful. 

Mario Arrocha, a graduate transfer from USC- Upstate, was immediately aggressive by taking two shots back to back, beating out two defenders for the goals but missing the left of the pole.

The Panthers ended the first half out shooting the Spartans 10-5 but remained scoreless. 

The back line stood strong and all had key blocks and saves throughout the match to go on and earn the shutout. Gunther Rankenburg recorded his fourth shutout of the season with three saves. The defense held the Spartans to zero goals with three saves and three blocks on nine shots. 

Ward clinched the win for the Panthers after a Spartans yellow card earned Carlos Luna a free kick. It was a long ball from Luna across the goal to find Ward who would head it in in the 84th minute. 

The Panthers start league play this Saturday as they travel to face James Madison. The match will be aired on ESPN+, kick is set for 7 p.m.