The Georgia Southern men’s soccer team (7-8-0) ended the regular season in disappointing fashion, losing to Georgia State in Atlanta.

Ga. Southern enters the Sun Belt Tournament as the No. 3 seed, when they had a chance to be regular season champions.

With only needing a draw to be proclaimed champions against in-state rival Georgia State (8-9-0), the Eagles traveled to Atlanta for their last conference game before the Sun Belt Tournament.

Ga. Southern got out to a bad start giving up a header goal from freshman midfielder Rashid Alarape off a cross by junior midfielder Eddie Wilding on the 23^rd minute of play.

The Eagles had a chance to tie later on the first half, but the shot by senior midfielder David Vargas Masis hit the woodwork.

Ga. State out-shot the Eagles 16-9 on the night, but weren’t very effective. Junior goalkeeper Jack Falle recorded two saves on the night, which was a season low.

The rivalry match lived up to its name. It was a physical encounter that included a total of 31 fouls and six bookings with the Panthers committing 19 fouls and receiving four bookings.

The in-state rivals will face each other once again on the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tournament on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Field.

Single game tickets cost $5 while tournament passes cost $10.