Wilson wins it for Eagles in waning minute against Winthrop

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  • GS junior midfielder Javier Carbonell (7), in his first season in Statesboro, leads the Eagles with five assists after transferring from Camila Jose Cela University in Madrid. Senior Blake Wilson (14) scored the game-winner in the last minute of regulation against Winthrop on Tuesday.

Mcclain Baxley

The winning streak is alive for the Georgia Southern men’s soccer team, which won their third game in a row and fourth in the last five Tuesday night, 2-1, on the road over Winthrop.

Frantic Finish

It seemed the game would end in a 1-1 draw, but senior forward Blake Wilson and reigning Sun Belt offensive player of the week, junior Javier Carbonell, had other plans.

With just 38 seconds remaining in the match, Carbonell coralled a failed Winthrop clearance and sent a beautiful pass into the box where Wilson would finish with a goal, his third of the young season.

Georgia Southern had pressure on Winthrop all game leading in shots 15 to 5. It was another strong showing from an experienced offense, both with shots and possessions, especially in the second half where they would pick up 9 of their shots.

Carbonell also picked up his own stunner of a goal in the 79th minute on a free kick from just outside of the 18-yard box.

Coming together

The talented Eagles seem to now be meshing after a rocky start to the season, and it’s understandable due to the key contributors who are new to the roster.

Carbonell, the transfer from Camila Jose Cela University in Madrid, has established himself as the key playmaker and attack initiator for the Georgia Southern offense. After the Winthrop match, Carbonell led the team with five assists and in fact is currently the only Eagle to record an official assist this season.

Along with Wilson and an aggressively attacking midfield, Carbonell and the Eagles present relentless problems for opposing defenses.

Ahead

The Eagles will look to extend their win streak to four this Saturday night at 7 p.m. when in-state rival Mercer visits Eagle Field.

Next Wedesday, Sept. 27, the Eagles play at home against Jacksonville University at 7 p.m.

Thomas Jilk contributed reporting.