Charleston, S.C. --- The 19th-ranked Georgia Southern men's soccer team defeated the College of Charleston Cougars 1-0 in non-conference play on Tuesday evening (September 23rd).

The Eagles got out to another quick start from the offensive end, scoring their second-quickest goal of the season, just two seconds behind their ninth minute goal at Stetson. Late into that same ninth minute, a bouncing pass to Kevin Pierre in the midfield gave him ample time to flick a pass over a Cougar defender to a sprinting Ryan Holmes. Holmes beat out two defenders on foot and smashed a shot he bounced off his chest into the side net for his now third goal in two matches, as he scored a brace in Southern's last match at Old Dominion. 

While the Eagles would have to rely on their defense to keep the win, the chances on offense continued. Mitch Picklsely was seemingly everywhere on the offensive side, taking six total shots and forcing the Cougars' keeper to make three saves of his own. Lior Holtz also took a career-high two shots, making his presence known on both sides of the pitch. However, it would of course be the defense that shone through, especially in the second half. 

The Eagles would hold the Cougars to just four shots in each half, while half of those were on target. They also managed to stave off eight opposition corner kicks on the night including a crucial Nate Martinez save that he made a full extension for in the 73rd minute. On the night, Martinez would make four saves of his own to nag his fifth clean sheet of the season and an even dozen on his career. Despite the constant pressure from the Cougars in the final 45, the Eagles only committed one foul themselves in the frame and received no bookings. 

The victory would now make it six straight for the Eagles, still trying to match the 1997 squad's impressive seven-match victorious streak. The current team are also trying to one-up the program's highest ranking of 14th, set 28 years ago by the same Eagle squad. With their seven wins already, the Eagles already matched the most wins in a season since 2017. 

Up next, The Eagles have arguably their biggest match in program history, as defending national runner-up and fourth-ranked Marshall comes to Statesboro. Kickoff for Glow Party at Bo Pitts Field is set for this Sunday (September 28th), at 7 PM.