STATESBORO --- The Georgia Southern men's soccer team started their season with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Eagles of Winthrop in both teams's first exhibition matches of the season. 

Despite early fouls from GS in the opening minutes, they would be the ones to strike first. Late into the sixth minute, a through ball from Mitch Picksley found Thomas Helgheim racing to the left side of the box. Right before the Winthrop keeper could get a hand on it, Helgheim, who is back for his second stint at Southern, gave a touch into the net for the first goal of 2025.

Winthrop would get it back, however, as a penalty kick in the 20th minute would nod the match back up again. Helgheim quickly responded with a brace on the day with his tap in goal in the 31st minute, but the cross in from freshman Jelani Brathwaite was sent in beautifully to set him up. The final goal of the first half came off the foot of Kevin Pierre, who found space just outside the box and sent a low ball into the opposite corner for the Eagles to enter the locker room up 3-1.

The defense in the second half stood strong as the back line and sophomore keeper Justin Cox kept the clean sheet for the half, and made an incredible diving save as well. Offensively, the Eagles did not let up as Zachary Martin would steal the show, scoring twice in the final 45 minutes. Both goals were assisted as well, as goals in the 61st and 63rd minutes were assisted by two new Eagles in Manuel Flores and Emil Seedorff. 

Southern would amass 25 shots on the afternoon, with Winthrop shooting six of their own. Additionally, Southern did not give up a single corner kick to Winthrop's side, while they had seven of their own. 24 different Eagles would see playing time on the day, gaining key experience heading into the season. 

Georgia Southern's next, and final, scrimmage of 2025 is this Friday (August 15th) against Life University. Kickoff at Bo Pitts Field is set for 5 PM.