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UNC Asheville men’s soccer team continued its nonconference winning streak, defeating Georgia State 3-1. The win marked the program’s first 2-0-0 start to a season since spring 2021 and its first home victory over Georgia State since 1994.
Wearing jersey No. 37, Rodrigo Mendez secured the first goal 23 minutes into the first half. Conrad Eriksson, returning from a knee injury last season, whipped a high cross into the box for Mendez, who got his head on the ball and finished into the back post.
“It just feels good,” Eriksson said about contributing again after missing last season with a knee injury. “It was tough coming back and it feels nice to be with the guys again.”
Minutes later, the Bulldogs doubled their lead. Arnor Hardarson took on a Panther defender and struck the ball across the box to find Mendez, who was in the right place at the right time to finish.
Commentator Matt Stradley called Mendez “an attacking threat,” pointing to Asheville’s ability to overload the top line and press high.
Asheville entered the half with a two-goal advantage but knew Georgia State would push.
”We had to keep our discipline,” head coach Danny Frid said. “We had to really remain focused because they are a good team, but we also couldn’t get discouraged when they did have spells. We had to be comfortable without the ball and then comfortable with the ball.”
The Panthers pounced in the second half, securing a goal for themselves but still fighting to find an equalizer in the match. Asheville held firm and ultimately found that third goal in the last 20 minutes.
Commentator Steve Vecchione credited the Bulldogs’ “excellent defensive structure,” adding that while Georgia State dictated the first 15 minutes with possession, Asheville eventually “found its footing.”
Georgia gave up a foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick for the Bulldogs. Mendez, eager to extend his goal-scoring streak, took the penalty kick and became the first Bulldog to record a hat trick since 2002.
”I am just feeling really happy for the team,” Mendez said. “For the team’s success, for building up some momentum and getting our confidence up before we get into the conference season.”
Frid praised his team’s toughness against a quality opponent but said the focus now shifts quickly to the road ahead.
”It was nice to celebrate with them for 35 seconds, but now we’ve got to get back to it,” Frid said. “It’s a long season.”
