ATLANTA, -- Georgia State put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short in a 3-2 loss at home against top-ranked UCF on Friday, October 27, at GSU Soccer Complex. Justin McLean and Ethan Sassine contributed goals for the Panthers.

In the early stages of the game, both teams had their share of shots, trading opportunities within the first 20 minutes. In the 22nd minute, Alex Henderson connected with a header from a corner kick, but the UCF goalkeeper made the save. However, right after that save, UCF swiftly countered and managed to find the back of the net in the 23rd minute. A well-placed cross met the UCF striker's foot, allowing them to beat the Panthers' goalkeeper and score the opening goal.UCF continued to apply pressure and fired the next three shots. The first of these attempts demanded a great save from Josue Hangi, preserving the score at 1-0. In the 37th minute, Justin McLean unleashed a shot from outside the box that curled just over the crossbar. The Panthers had several opportunities in the latter part of the half, including three consecutive corner kicks in the last five minutes. Simon Carlson managed to get a shot on goal, but the UCF goalkeeper made the save, maintaining the 1-0 scoreline going into halftime.

At halftime, Georgia State held the lead in shots, with seven to UCF's five, while both teams were tied in shots on target at two apiece. The Panthers also had the upper hand in corner kicks, leading five to one in the first half.

The second half picked up where the first half left off, with Georgia State maintaining their offensive pressure. The Panthers earned a corner kick in the first minute of the half, and Bryan Akongo connected with a cross from Marley Stephenson, narrowly missing the target as his shot sailed just over the crossbar. Ethan Sassine had a header that went slightly over the crossbar as well, keeping the score at 1-0.

In the 64th minute, UCF executed another swift counter-attack, displaying precise passing that left the goalkeeper beaten and extended their lead to 2-0. UCF continued their momentum, promptly earning a corner kick in the 65th minute and converting it into a goal, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead.

Josue Hangi displayed exceptional goalkeeping skills with two brilliant saves in the 69th and 71st minutes, preserving the score at 3-0. The Panthers then regained their momentum, with Ethan Sassine finding the net in the 76th minute. He expertly tapped in a brilliant cross from Dylan Williams, narrowing the score to 3-1.

Just three minutes later, the Panthers would narrow the deficit to one when Justin McLean received a pass from Jordan Beam and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This marked McLean's fourth goal of the year.

The Panthers continued to battle throughout the remainder of the game. Tom Williams attempted a shot that was blocked by UCF defenders, and in the final minute of the game, Ethan Sassine fired the last chance for the Panthers, which was saved by the UCF goalkeeper. The game concluded with UCF emerging as the victors with a score of 3-2.

Georgia State fell to 5-6-5 overall and 2-4-2 in SBC play after the defeat

The Panthers will be back on the pitch for their final regular season game on Tuesday, October 31st, as they travel to face Coastal Carolina.

For all things Georgia State soccer, follow the team on social (@gsumenssoccer) as the Panthers continue the 2023 season.