Jacksonville, Fla.—Georgia State senior Gimel Gordon banged home a rebound from close range to lead the Georgia State men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory at Jacksonville to begin the 2012 season Friday night.

Georgia State (1-0) owned possession throughout the match outshooting Jacksonville (0-1) by a 16-8 margin. The Panthers finally broke through after their relentless pressure left an opening for freshman William Mellors-Blair.

The Nottingham, England, native corralled a loose ball from 35 yards out on the right side before calmly delivering a cross that found the head of a leaping Alex Vivanco. The senior’s header from close range was stopped by Dolphins goalkeeper Gavin Carlin, but the rebound bounced to Gordon standing five yards out on the left side.

Gordon fired home a right-footed strike to open his account for the 2012 season and put GSU up a goal at the 87:57 mark. The goal was Gordon’s ninth career tally and the third game-winning goal of his career. Mellors-Blair and Vivanco were both credited with assists on the goal.

Redshirt sophomore CJ Cochran made three saves to earn the clean sheet, the fifth of his young career. Vivanco led all Georgia State players with four shots including three on goal. Georgia State owned a 12-4 lead in corner kicks for the match.

The win evened up the all-time series between Georgia State and Jacksonville at 11-11-2.

The Panthers remain in Jacksonville, Fla., for their second match of the 2012 season on Sunday at North Florida (3 p.m.). Live stats will be available for that match on www.GeorgiaStateSports.com. Check the men’s soccer page following the match for a full recap and box score.

www.GeorgiaStateSports.com