TUSKEGEE, Ala. –
Juan Franco scored twice in the second half Wednesday evening as Georgia Southwestern State University matched its season high for goals in a 4-1 victory over Tuskegee University in non-conference men's soccer action.
Jose Monteagudo opened the scoring in the 25th minute before
Mane Birovljev doubled the advantage early in the second half. Franco then struck twice over the final 16 minutes to help the Hurricanes (3-6-4) secure their first victory since Sept. 5.
The four-goal performance matched GSW's season high set in a 4-0 victory over Andrew College in the season opener Aug. 27. It also marked the Hurricanes' highest-scoring road match since Sept. 9, 2023.
GSW created an early opportunity when Franco put a shot toward the bottom-left corner in the seventh minute, forcing a save from Tuskegee goalkeeper Samuel Glasgow.
The Hurricanes broke through at 24:09 when Monteagudo found the back of the net to give GSW a 1-0 advantage.
Tuskegee (3-3-1) threatened to equalize in the 31st minute, but GSW goalkeeper
Nathan Grady turned away an attempt from John Croxson. Birovljev nearly extended the lead five minutes later, putting a shot on frame that Glasgow stopped.
GSW carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime after holding a 3-2 edge in shots over the opening 45 minutes.
The Hurricanes came out of the break on the attack.
Sean Carlos Rivera forced Glasgow into a save in the 48th minute before
Andre Teixeira sent an attempt high just eight seconds later.
Birovljev doubled the GSW lead at 56:03, finding the net to make it 2-0.
The Golden Tigers answered at 68:05 when London-Sebastian Hedge scored to trim the deficit to 2-1.
GSW wasted little time responding.
Bryan Garcia forced Glasgow into a save in the 75th minute, and Franco followed with a goal at 74:24 to restore the Hurricanes' two-goal cushion.
Franco put the match away at 85:29, scoring his second goal of the evening and fourth of the season to account for the final 4-1 margin.
The Hurricanes outshot Tuskegee 11-5, including an 8-3 advantage in the second half, and placed nine of their 11 attempts on goal. Franco led GSW with three shots, all on frame, while Birovljev and Teixeira recorded two attempts apiece.
Grady played all 90 minutes in goal for the Hurricanes, making three saves to earn the victory. Glasgow finished with five saves for Tuskegee.
Wednesday marked the first meeting between the programs as Tuskegee competes in its inaugural men's soccer season.
Next Up
The Hurricanes return to Americus for a Homecoming match against North Georgia on Saturday at 7 p.m.
