STATESBORO, GA – In an intense match that saw five goals and relentless offense, the Georgia Southern men’s soccer team narrowly fell to Old Dominion 3-2 on Friday night, November 1. Both teams came out firing early, but Georgia Southern was first on the board when Zachary Martin’s through ball connected with Joe O’Connor, who powered a shot past the Monarchs’ keeper. This marked the freshman’s second goal of the season and gave the Eagles an early lead.
At halftime, the match was nearly even statistically, and both teams emerged from the break with increased intensity. Just five minutes into the second half, Old Dominion’s Nicholas Alves netted his first goal of the season to equalize. Georgia Southern responded quickly, as Ty Wilson’s deflected shot fell to Matthew Dean, who danced around defenders to reclaim the Eagles’ lead with his second collegiate goal.
Old Dominion’s pressure continued, and in the 67th minute, Timothy Ennin capitalized on a save that trickled back toward the Eagles’ net, leveling the score once again. After an exchange of offensive attempts, Micah Wayland secured the win for the Monarchs in the 83rd minute with a clinical strike.
Georgia Southern edged Old Dominion in shots 14-11, with both teams close in corners and saves. However, fouls became a theme as officials called 25 in total, with the Eagles accounting for 14, and nine yellow cards issued, five to the Eagles—marking the highest issued since last September.
Now standing at 6-5-4 overall and 2-4-2 in the Sun Belt Conference, Georgia Southern heads to South Carolina on November 5. A win in this upcoming match would clinch a spot in the conference tournament, keeping the Eagles’ postseason hopes alive.
