STATESBORO, Ga. – Georgia Southern used a second half set piece goal to pull away and defeat FGCU in the season opener for both squads, 3-1.

FGCU (0-1-0) outshot Georgia Southern (1-0-0) 14-13 for the game and 9-6 in the second half, but Georgia Southern made its chances count, putting nine shots on goal to FGCU's five. The physical contest, which saw seven combined yellow cards issued and 26 fouls called, also tilted in Georgia Southern's favor, as a FGCU yellow card set up Georgia Southern's final goal.

Southern converted the first score of the game in the first half, when Mitch Picksley scored on a strong solo effort. The northernmost Eagles controlled the tempo early, putting Marcelo Lacayo under pressure in between the posts. Lacayo had a strong first half, tallying three saves, including one on a breakaway attempt from Georgia Southern. He finished with six saves in his NCAA debut.

FGCU benefitted from VAR early in the second half. After pressing for the first four minutes of the second half, Georgia Southern was assessed a handball in the box upon a lengthy review. The review allowed a penalty kick for Aron Martinez, who buried it in the back of the net in the lower left corner off his left foot at 49:18.

The Peach State's Eagles retook the lead on a breakaway goal from Broden Beorlegui in the 61st minute. Beorlegui gained advantage off a misplayed pass and put Georgia Southern back up 2-1. 

Georgia Southern took control of the contest after a FGCU yellow card set up a set piece opportunity outside the box. Beorlegui found the net off a header from the cross into the box that brought the game to its eventual final score of 3-1.

Next, FGCU will continue its road trip at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23 at College of Charleston (0-0-1), which drew against Davidson in its season opener on Thursday.

For more information on FGCU men's soccer, follow @FGCU_MSoccer on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit fgcuathletics.com.
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