CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA - Angel Lopez Martin needed just 21 minutes to make his mark, but it was Jaland Larmond who wrote the opening chapter with a stunning 39th-minute strike that propelled Coastal Carolina to a 3-1 victory over Georgia State before 842 fans at the CCU Soccer Stadium on October 22, 2025.
The early momentum shifted dramatically when Larmond connected with Loed Klaasen's pinpoint cross, slotting home with clinical precision at 39:42. The Chanticleers' (2-8, 1-5 conference) first win in their last eight matches came against a Panthers team (4-5-5, 2-2-2 conference) that had shown resilience throughout the season.
The breakthrough set the tone for a tactical battle, with both teams marshaling their defensive resources. Georgia State, known for their attacking prowess, found themselves contained by Coastal Carolina's organized backline. The visitors managed just five shot attempts across the 90 minutes, with only one finding the target—a testament to the Chanticleers' defensive prowess.
Virgil Dall'Agnol's 50th-minute equalizer for Georgia State sparked a tense period, but Coastal Carolina responded with characteristic composure. Just over 10 minutes later, Angel Lopez Martin doubled the home side's lead, converting a well-weighted through ball from Klaasen and Jimson St's clever interplay. The Spanish forward's second goal, assisted once more by Klaasen, sealed the win at 72:28.
The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two halves. Georgia State dominated possession and shot attempts in the first 45 minutes, outshooting Coastal Carolina 13-3. However, the Chanticleers' goalkeeper made crucial saves to preserve their lead. In the second half, Coastal Carolina orchestrated the tempo, creating scoring opportunities through swift counter-attacks.
Georgia State's struggles were epitomized by their inability to capitalize on their chances. Despite outshooting Coastal Carolina 20-8 overall, they managed only one goal. The Panthers' wasteful finishing was highlighted by their 5-1 shot-on-target ratio, with four of their efforts being saved by the Chanticleers' goalkeeper.
The victory represents more than three points for Coastal Carolina; it signifies a turning point in their season. Having ended their winless streak, the Chanticleers now prepare to face South Carolina, seeking to build on their newfound momentum. For Georgia State, the loss extends their losing streak to two games, and they will look to regroup against UCF.
Coastal Carolina's defensive solidity was a hallmark of their performance, with the team absorbing Georgia State's pressure and countering effectively. The Chanticleers' next challenge will be to maintain this level of performance against a strong South Carolina side.
The afternoon belonged to Coastal Carolina—and specifically to Loed Klaasen, whose creative playmaking was instrumental in the Chanticleers' victory. As the team looks to the future, their focus will be on sustaining this level of performance.
Key Players:
Loed Klaasen (Coastal Carolina) – Orchestrated the Chanticleers' attack with precision passing and vision, providing two assists and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
Angel Lopez Martin (Coastal Carolina) – The Spanish forward was clinical in front of goal, scoring twice and showcasing his predatory instincts.
Jaland Larmond (Coastal Carolina) – Opened the scoring with a well-timed finish, setting the tone for the Chanticleers' victory.
Virgil Dall'Agnol (Georgia State) – Pulled Georgia State level with a crucial goal, but ultimately couldn't prevent the Panthers' defeat.