LEXINGTON, -- Georgia State Panthers tied 2-2 with Kentucky on Wednesday (Oct. 18) at the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex. The Panthers' goals were scored by Ethan Sassine and Simon Carlson.
The game kicked off with a fast tempo as Kentucky managed to record their first shot within the opening minute. Georgia State earned two corner kicks within the initial 10 minutes but couldn't convert them into shots. Josue Hangi was called into action, making his first save of the game in the 12th minute.
Both teams exchanged shots for the majority of the first half. However, in the 36th minute, the Panthers broke the deadlock. Simon Carlson received a pass in the box from Hideto Gondo and expertly slotted the ball past the goalie, marking his sixth goal of the year and his third goal in four games.
The Panthers successfully defended their lead for the remainder of the half and entered halftime with their 1-0 advantage still intact. At this point, Kentucky had the upper hand in shots, with a count of seven compared to Georgia State's two. However, both teams had managed one shot on target each. Additionally, Kentucky led in corner kicks, with a tally of four against Georgia State's two.
The second half commenced with both teams exchanging shots. In the 54th minute, Gavin Williams' shot was deflected wide, resulting in a Panther corner kick. Oliver Hlynsson delivered a powerful corner kick that ricocheted around the box. Ethan Sassine calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper for his fifth goal of the year, extending the score to 2-0.
Kentucky wasted no time in responding, scoring a goal of their own in the 56th minute to narrow the lead to 2-1. The Panthers fought valiantly on the defensive end to preserve their lead, but the relentless pressure from Kentucky ultimately took its toll. In the 86th minute, the Panthers conceded the equalizer.
Georgia State successfully defended a dangerous corner kick in the final minute of the game, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw. The match concluded with Kentucky leading in shots 18 to four, shots on target three to two, and corner kicks eight to three.
The draw moved Georgia St.'s record to 5-4-5 overall and 2-2-2 in SBC play.
The Panthers are set to return to the pitch on Sunday, October 22nd, at 4 pm at home as they face James Madison.
For all things Georgia State soccer, follow the team on social (@gsumenssoccer) as the Panthers continue the 2023 season.
