STATESBORO, Ga. – On Friday afternoon, Georgia Southern men's soccer announced its 2021 schedule. The Eagles will begin the first year of Mid-American Conference play, joining the league with Georgia State this season.
 
"We're excited to announce a full 18-game schedule for this fall," head coach John Murphy said. "We annually strive to play the toughest schedule possible, and this year will be no different."
 
Georgia Southern will open up the 2021 season with a pair of exhibition games at Winthrop on August 14, before hosting North Georgia on August 19. The regular season will begin on August 26, as the Eagles host Presbyterian at Eagle Field.
 
GS will hit the road for the first of three matches on August 29, heading to Charlotte. To begin September the Eagles will head to Chapel Hill to face off against UNC at Fetzer Field and the McCaskill Soccer Center. The Blue and White will wrap up the three-match road trip with a meeting against Wofford in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
 
"Non-conference oppositions such as Charlotte, UNC, Clemson, Campbell and South Carolina are as good as you will get nationwide. Additionally, in region programs such as Mercer and College of Charleston provide that local 'derby' atmosphere that always produces great games."
 
To begin the inaugural season in the MAC, Georgia Southern will open in Arkon, Ohio to face the Zips at FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field on October 7. The Eagles will stay in Ohio and take on Bowling Green on Saturday for their second MAC match. 
 
The Eagles will host three straight MAC matches against Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and West Virginia, before heading to instate foe Georgia State in Panthersville. The Eagles will wrap up the 2021 season with the MAC Championships from November 12 through November 14. 
 
"Finally, our addition to the MAC will cap off an impressive fixture list of opposition for 2021. All six teams are top programs with our oldest rival Georgia State joining us in the MAC, that rivalry always adds that little bit extra. I'm excited to our fans as this will be the most balanced schedule we've had during my five season with eight home games. With that in mind, our match vs. West Virginia on Homecoming Weekend should be special for all involved. We plan on having an exciting team this season and hope to see the great support from Eagle Nation that we receive year in and year out"