ATLANTA, Ga. --- Chattanooga's Clarissa Salinas did it again to the Georgia State Panthers. Her late game goal tied the match 2-2 in the women's soccer season opener for both teams, echoing UTC's 1-1 draw against Georgia State on the same pitch in 2022.
 
Just as it looked like the Panthers might get the win with a go ahead goal in the 85^th minute, Salinas responded with a penalty kick in the 89^th to secure a draw for the Chattanooga.
 
UTC freshman Paige Thomas drew a foul just inside the 18-yard box giving the Mocs a penalty kick. Salinas lined it up and knocked it into the bottom right corner to tie the match 2-2.
 
"A hard-fought opening match against a talented Georgia State side," Mocs head coach Gavin McKinney said after the match. "We displayed quality, physicality, and great spirit to equalize late. We'll build on this performance as we prepare for a tough match at Tennessee on Sunday."
 
The Mocs scored first with goal in the 19^th minute off a corner kick Zoe Mize. She delivered the corner to the near post where it was deflected off the post and the GSU keeper. Caroline Richvalsky was in the right spot and the ball landed at her feet at the line. She pushed it in to put the Mocs up 1-0.
 
Georgia State tied the game at the start of the second half and took the lead in the 85^th minute with a header off a corner kick.
 
Chattanooga had 11 shots to Georgia State's 12 and both teams had five on goal. Mocs keeper Caroline Ekern tallied three saves including two diving grabs in the first half to keep the Panthers out of the net in the opening frame.
 
UTC remains on the road and will travel to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Lady Vols Sunday evening at Regal Soccer Stadium at 6:00 p.m. Follow all the action online at GoMocs.com.
 
SCORING SUMMARY
18:14    UTC       Caroline Richvalsky (1); Zoey Mize
46:06    GSU      Sunniyah Tucker (1); Bree Barley
84:37    GSU      Bree Barley (1); Elena Diaz
88:32    UTC       Clarissa Salinas (1); PENALTY KICK
 
RECORDS
Chattanooga: 0-0-1
Georgia State: 0-0-1
 
SERIES HISTORY
Georgia State leads 6-0-2. The last two meetings have ended in draws.
 
FOLLOW CHATTANOOGA SOCCER
For the latest news and information on Chattanooga Mocs Soccer, visit the official website of Mocs Athletics at GoMocs.com. Fans can also follow the Mocs on social media at @GoMocsSoccer (X), @GoMocsWSoccer (Instagram).