Georgia State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 SBC) vs. UNC Asheville (1-0-0, 0-0-0 Big South) 
Location: Asheville, N.C. 
Tuesday, Aug. 26 @ 6 p.m. ET 
Watch: ESPN+ 
 
ATLANTA – After playing to a draw in their season opener, the Panthers will look to secure their first win of the season when they travel to Asheville to take on the Bulldogs at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26.  
 
SERIES HISTORY 
Georgia State has never suffered a loss at the hands of the Bulldogs in the teams' seven all-time meetings. The Panthers have enjoyed a 6-0-1 record in the series, including three wins and a draw when playing in Asheville. Georgia State will look to continue their success against the Bulldogs in the first meeting of the teams since the 2023 season. 
 
BULLDOGS BETWEEN THE LINES 
Opened the season with a victory, taking down visiting Howard 2-1 courtesy of a pair of early first half goals. Sophomore midfielder Charlie Wood tallied a goal and an assist against the Bison, matching his season-long scoring totals from a year ago. Following the loss of their everyday goalie to graduation, the Bulldogs are in search of their new starter in net. Luca Barros got the start for UNC Asheville in the opener, allowing one goal and saving one shot against the Bison. Louis Beckett has yet to enter the mix for the Bulldogs offensively, but will surely present a continued threat as the team's leading returning scorer.  
 
THE RETURNING RUMBLE 
Georgia State brings back a solid foundation from last season. Senior forward Matthew Taylor is back as a key attacking option after finishing second on the team with four goals. In midfield, seniors Gavin Williams and Braiden Hall, along with graduate student Tom Williams, bring valuable experience after combining for multiple starts in 2024. On the back line, graduate student Hideto Gondo and senior Tom Fillaudeau return to anchor the defense. 
 
FRESH FACE FRENZY 
Georgia State will feature a number of new faces on the roster in 2025 with a total of 10 newcomers. Forward Samir Djeha from the University of Montreal, who joins the Panthers after a breakout freshman season that included seven goals, two assists, and RSEQ Rookie of the Year honors. Goalkeeper Loan Marin, a transfer from Presbyterian College, is expected to be a key presence in net after starting all 18 matches in 2024 with four clean sheets. Midfielder Sandro Sacha Rabarivony, also from Presbyterian, adds experience and attacking threat from the middle of the pitch. Defender Joel Gonzalez from Kentucky brings depth to the backline, while midfielder Virgil Dall'Agnol from Seton Hall provides both experience and leadership in the midfield. 
Rounding out the newcomers are five freshmen. Ange Tapchom, Leo Kriel, and Brandon Graham bring fresh energy to the midfield. In the net, Jackson Burrell adds to the goalkeeper roster, while forward Austin Chavarria-Flores joins the attacking third. Each player brings high-level youth to the Panthers' roster. 
 
THE SURRENCY SURGE  
Appointed head coach before the 2010 season, Surrency has become the winningest coach in Georgia State men's soccer history last season, amassing 145 victories. He has guided the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including its first-ever postseason win in 2021, and led the Panthers to their first Sun Belt Regular Season and Tournament titles in 2018. Over his 15 seasons, Surrency has consistently produced successful teams, achieving nine or more wins in 10 seasons, seven conference tournament championship game appearances, and six ranked wins. He has also set program records for season starts, scoring and RPI ranking, and coached GSU's first MLS signee, Michael Nwiloh. 
 
UP NEXT 
The Panthers continue their roadtrip in the Carolinas on Saturday, when they travel to take on Winthrop at 7 p.m.