PHOTOS: South Carolina men’s soccer starts Conference play with a tie against Georgia State

South Carolina played Georgia State on Friday night in the Eugene E. Stone Stadium. South Carolina had early attempts on goal but was unable to score until the 40th minute when sophomore midfielder Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez scored, giving South Carolina a 1-0 lead. One minute later, Georgia State scored on South Carolina, and the first half ended in a tie. In the 55th minute, South Carolina was able to take the lead again with junior forward Keanan Bader scoring a second goal, but Georgia State tied the game yet again, and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. The match was characterized by South Carolina's aggressive offense and the many fouls issued on both teams. South Carolina looks to play again at home on Sept. 23 against Queens University of Charlotte.

Senior midfielder Ethan Ballek fights through two Georgia State defenders while advancing the ball during South Carolina’s match at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Junior forward Keanan Bader fights off a Georgia State defender to keep possession during South Carolina’s match at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Senior defender William Nilsson rises above a Georgia State player to head the ball during South Carolina’s match at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

The Gamecock men’s soccer starting lineup at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Sept.19, 2025. The men's soccer team lines up for player introductions and the national anthem ahead of its matchup against Georgia State. The Gamecocks is currently 3-2 at home.

Junior forward Keanan Bader scores the second goal of the game for the Gamecocks, tying the game against Georgia State at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Sept.19, 2025, at 2-2.

Junior forward Keanan Bader fights off a Georgia State defender to keep possession during South Carolina’s match at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Fifth-year defender Galen Flynn checks in for the game against Georgia State at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Sept. 19, 2025. Galen has over 253 minutes of playing time through eight games this season.

Gamecock men's soccer players celebrate after tying the game 2-2 against Georgia State at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Sept. 19, 2025. Junior forward Keanan Bader scored the goal for South Carolina, keeping it in the game.

Senior midfielder Ethan Ballek sprints downfield with the ball while a Georgia State defender gives chase during South Carolina’s match at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Junior midfielder Isaiah Whittaker-Francis keeps the Georgia State defense on its heels at Eugene E. Stone Stadium on Sept.19, 2025. Isaiah played a total of 70 minutes and started the game .