The 2025 season came to a close for Georgia State men’s soccer on Sunday afternoon as the Panthers fell 3-1 to No. 2 seed Marshall in the Sun Belt Conference Championship quarterfinals at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
Senior midfielder Gavin Williams scored Georgia State’s only goal, while goalkeeper Loan Marin kept the match within reach with five saves against a relentless Marshall attack.
First-Half Flurry
Marshall opened the scoring in the 17th minute as Takahiro Fujita converted a cross from Carl Romberg to make it 1-0. The lead didn’t last long. Less than a minute later, Gavin Williams responded with a composed finish inside the box—his first goal of the season—to level things at 1-1.
It was a shining moment for Williams in his final appearance as a Panther.
However, the Thundering Herd regained the lead before halftime. In the 41st minute, defender Joao Roberto netted Marshall’s second goal off a well-executed buildup from Gabriel Stevanato and Romberg, giving Marshall a 2-1 edge at the break.
📊 Match Stats
- Final Score: Marshall 3, Georgia State 1
- Shots: Marshall 16 – GSU 11
- Shots on Goal: Marshall 8 – GSU 3
- Saves: Marin (GSU) 5
- Corner Kicks: Marshall 4 – GSU 3
Second-Half Push Falls Short
The Panthers came out with intent after halftime, earning three second-half corners and putting pressure on the Marshall defense. Sandro Rabarivony led the charge with four shot attempts, while Samir-Mohamed Djeha nearly scored early with a shot on frame.
Despite the pressure, Marshall secured the result in the 80th minute, when Louie Salkeld finished a third assist from Romberg to extend the lead to 3-1.
“Our guys left it all out there today,” said head coach Brett Surrency. “We created chances, showed fight, and pushed until the final whistle.”
Loan Marin Closes Strong
Senior goalkeeper Loan Marin finished the season as one of the team’s most consistent performers, adding five more saves on Sunday to his total. Marin kept the match tight throughout, helping weather a 16-shot barrage from the Herd.
Season Wrap-Up
Georgia State concludes the 2025 campaign with a 4-8-6 overall record and 2-4-3 in Sun Belt play, missing out on a semifinal appearance but showing growth in key areas late in the year.
With young talent emerging and a core of returning players expected back in 2026, the Panthers will look to regroup and climb the Sun Belt ladder next season.
Thank You, Seniors
Gavin Williams and Loan Marin were among the seniors closing their collegiate careers on Sunday, both delivering memorable final performances that reflect their impact on the program.
Georgia State’s offseason will include:
- Spring evaluation and recruitment
- Sun Belt reshuffling and incoming transfers
- Training for 2026 with a stronger, more experienced squad
Stay locked in to @AtlantaSoccerNews for updates on roster changes, transfer portal moves, and next season’s key matchups.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.