Panthers Drop Double Overtime Match, 2-1, to UNF

September 2, 2011

Jacksonville, Fla. – The Georgia State women’s soccer team (0-4) suffered defeat in its fourth game of the season Friday as the Panthers fell, 2-1, to North Florida in double overtime at the Fun in the Sun Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla. Despite GSU sophomore Alison Gonzalez landing the first goal of the match, UNF (2-2-1) came back from the two point deficit with a game winner in the final minute of play.

Georgia State got on the board in the 20^th minute with a goal put together by Panther newcomers, Gonzalez and freshman Whitney Ravan. On the play, Gonzalez fielded an outlet pass from Ravan, ran in to beat the keeper and sent it in the left corner of the net to give Georgia State the 1-0 advantage. It was the first career goal for Gonzalez who registered one assist during her freshman season with Jacksonville State.

Eight minutes later, junior forward Sarah Bennett attempted to tally another score for the Panthers with a shot on goal but was unable to get past the hands of Osprey keeper Megan Dorsey. North Florida then fired five shots searching for an equalizer before time ran out, yet none found their way into the back of the net thanks to two saves from goalkeeper Rebecca Ingram.

The first half ended with Georgia State guarding a one-goal lead despite North Florida owning the shot column 7-3.

After the break, the Panthers came out with a strong foot, firing four shots in the first five minutes. It only took one shot, however, for UNF to find the equalizer in the 52^nd minute. North Florida’s Lauren Hopfensperger booted a shot from the top of the box that got past Ingram to even the score 1-1.

Looking to retake the lead, GSU launched three shots on goal in the next four minutes, but all were stopped by members of the Osprey defense. North Florida tried to lengthen its lead with five shots, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

In the final five minutes of regulation, both teams looked for the game winner. Gonzalez’s fourth shot of the game ended just wide of the post while Alexi Zaremba’s header shot for North Florida was denied with a save from Ingram. Neither team was able to find the game-winning goal and the clock ticked to zero with the score still even at one apiece.

The first overtime saw little action with the period’s only shot coming from Georgia State junior midfielder Carly Lafferty. Ravan blasted a shot three minutes into the second overtime but the ball was block by the Osprey’s back line.

With just one minute remaining in the contest, UNF notched the game winner to end the game and capture the 2-1 victory.

Looking for their first win of the season, the Panthers now focus their attention to tournament host Jacksonville Sunday at 2 p.m.

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