COLCHESTER, VT (Sept. 7, 2024) - Georgian Court Men's Soccer seemed primed to secure their first win of the season Saturday afternoon, but it wasn't meant to be. Leading with less than five minutes remaining, the Lions surrendered the equalizer to Bentley and the match ended in a 2-2 tie. Georgian Court finishes their season opening road trip to Vermont 0-1-1.

How it Happened
• Bentley more than doubled up the Lions in total shots, 27-11 including 16-6 in the second half.
• Georgian Court put just three shots on goal, but scored twice, Bentley fired 11 shots on goal.
• The Falcons were also whistled for 16 fouls to the Lions 12 and issued five yellow card to the Lions one.
• Corner kicks were fairly even with Bentley holding a slight 8-7 edge.
• There was just one shot on net in the first 38 minutes of action. Sotirios Gkosdis made that save in the first five minutes.
• Things picked up near the end of the half though. Gkosdis made a pair of saves and the Falcons were given two yellows less than three minute apart.
• Nearing the end of the half, Georgian Court was awarded a penalty kick opportunity. Gij van Eif stepped up and did not miss, scoring for a 1-0 Lion lead.
• Another save from Gkosdis in the closing seconds of the half preserved GCU's 1-0 lead through the first 45 minutes.
• Bentley was ripping shots to start the second half, peppering Gkosdis. He was up to task early, but after back-to-back saves when the Lions couldn't clear, gave the Falcons a third opportunity and Evan Levine did not miss tying the game in the 61st minute.
• The game was still tied at one after 80 minutes when Mikey Mallon found van Eif who scored his second goal of the game, putting GCU up 2-1 with 7:21 left to play.
• Bentley was playing with a renewed sense of urgency with the clock winding down. A centering pass into the box from the left found Johann Fraser who beat Gkosdis high, tying the game with just 2:06 remaining.
• Neither team got another shot off and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Gijs van Eif scored both goals for the Lions on four shots.
• Sotirios Gkosdis made nine saves in goal.
• Mikey Mallon picked up the lone helper.

For the Falcons
• Johann Frasier secured a goal and an assist.
• Evan Levine scored on four shots.
• Cam Hall made one save to earn the draw.

News and Notes
• Van Eif's goals were the first for the Lions this season. It's his first career two-goal game. 
• This was the first time the Lions and Falcons ever met.
• Robbie Tapp played in his 30th career game.
• Sotirios Gkosdis was one shy of matching his career high for saves in a game. His nine saves are tied for the seventh most in a game all-time.
• The game marked the return for Gkosdis who missed all of the 2023 season. He last played Oct. 28, 2022. 
• Following the match, Mikey Mallon, Robbie Tapp and Gijs van Eif were named to the All-Tournament team. 

Up Next
• Georgian Court plays at home for their next two. The home opener is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 11 against Saint Thomas Aquinas starting at 3 p.m.