Cats Clash in Middle Georgia: Georgia College Bobcats vs. Emmanuel Lions
GCSU Continues Preseason with 3–1 Win over Emmanuel
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Georgia College & State University women’s soccer earned its first preseason win with a 3–1 victory over Emmanuel University on August 27, giving fans an early glimpse of the 2025–26 squad. Having faltered against Emory University three days earlier, the Bobcats looked to gain stability in their three match pre-season.
Georgia College & State University, based in Milledgeville, Ga., competes in the Peach Belt Conference. The Bobcats’ last season ended with a disappointing semifinal loss to Columbus State University. The offseason brought notable talent with the signings of two Finnish players: Kaisa Fagerström and Jenni Järventaus, from Esbo Bollklubb and Ilves Jalkapallo, respectively.
Emmanuel University, based in Franklin Springs, Ga., competes in Conference Carolinas and is one of the few conference schools located in Georgia. They are headed by collegiate journeyman Alex Latorre. After finishing second in the Southwest Division in 2024–25, the Lions are hoping to recapture their form. A recent preseason poll within the conference projected Emmanuel to finish 10th.
The match began with immediate drama. In the 9th minute, GCSU earned a penalty following a handball in the box, but the Emmanuel goalkeeper stood tall, denying the spot kick and keeping the game scoreless. The Lions responded with confidence, controlling a long spell of possession that brought their traveling supporters to life.
Georgia College soon began to grow into the game. Freshman midfielder Darby Moran pushed the tempo in transition, linking play and helping the Bobcats advance higher up the field. On the right wing, forward Sarah Mason consistently tested Emmanuel’s back line, and her persistence paid off in the 23rd minute. She delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, where GCSU finished to take a 1–0 lead.
Emmanuel wasted little time in responding. Just six minutes later, the Lions leveled the score with a swift counterattack, stringing together decisive passes before finishing clinically in the 29th minute. The visitors nearly struck again before halftime, flashing a dangerous header just over the bar after another quick counter.
But Georgia College regained control before the break. In the 41st minute, the Bobcats converted from the top of the penalty area, curling a shot into the top-right corner to take a 2–1 lead into halftime.
The momentum carried into the second half. In the 54th minute, GCSU extended the lead with a lofted strike that floated over the Emmanuel keeper, making it 3–1. From there, the Bobcats dictated possession and tempo, ultimately outshooting the Lions 23–8 on the afternoon.
The final whistle sealed a 3–1 result, a strong statement for Marchant’s side as they prepare for a difficult Peach Belt schedule. Freshman talent shone on the wings, with GCSU spending much of the match in the attacking third.
For Emmanuel, the loss doesn’t overshadow the performance. The Lions showed flashes of a threatening attacking style but struggled to maintain possession and prevent the Bobcats from advancing through midfield.
With preseason action underway, both programs will look to sharpen their identities before competitive play begins. GCSU closes its pre-season schedule on August 30 against the Anderson University Trojans in Anderson, S.C., while Emmanuel hosts USC Aiken the same day in Franklin Springs.