ATLANTA—Redshirt sophomore Caleb Kernan scored his first goal of the season to lead the Georgia State men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over UNC Wilmington Wednesday night at Panthersville.

Junior goalkeeper Vincent Foermer made his first start since Sept. 9 and had three saves to earn the victory. Kernan’s goal came in the sixth minute and was his first in two years and two days after he missed all of last season due to injury. Freshman Bo Stroup sent in a cross from the right side that was flicked on by sophomore Stephen McGill before Kernan banged home the loose ball in front.

“Nice to score the first goal of the season, I’ve definitely been trying,” Kernan said, “It’s good to get that monkey off my shoulders.”

Kernan last scored a goal in a 3-1 win over Drexel on Oct. 10, 2009.

"It’s great for Caleb, it’s got to be a good feeling for him and now that he’s got one I expect some more to come,” GSU head coach Brett Surrency said of Kernan.

The Panthers (9-3-1, 3-2) improved to 6-0 at home with the win over Colonial Athletic Association foe UNC Wilmington (3-9, 1-5) and notched their seventh shutout win of the season. The seven shutouts tie for the highest number in a season since the 2003 team achieved the same feat. GSU’s nine regular-season wins is its most since the 2003 team also accomplished the same number.

“The guys maybe have a little extra at home, which is fine,” Surrency said, “Hopefully we can keep that going for the last two home games.”

Foermer, returning after he was injured in an airborne collision in a 2-1 win over Mercer, posted his third shutout of the season. It was the ninth of his career, moving him into a tie with Filipe Carvalho ’08 for fourth all-time. The third shutout this season also broke a single-season best of two he set last year.

“Another solid day by the back line, the team defending as well and Vincent stepping back in,” Surrency said, “At the end of the day if we don’t get scored on, we don’t lose. We’ll keep that defensive mentality moving forward.”

Georgia State is now in a three-way tie for fourth place in the CAA with VCU and Northeastern. Next up for the Panthers is a match against Drexel at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Panthersville. Close, exciting matches are a theme in the CAA this season and with GSU in recent history. The Panthers haven’t won a CAA match by more than a one-goal margin since a 2-0 victory over Northeastern on Oct. 10, 2010.

“Everyone seems to be taking care of their business at home in the CAA,” Surrency said, “Hopefully the experience tonight will help us prepare for the game. We’re always excited to play at home.”

Check www.GeorgiaStateSports.com for a preview of Sunday’s match. Check back on Sunday for links to live stats and a recap with a box score following the important CAA match.

 www.GeorgiaStateSports.com