Mount Vernon, Ga. – The 2011 Georgia Southwestern State University men's soccer season got off to an early and exciting start, literally. Sophomore forward Ryan Wakenigg scored his first career goal for the Hurricanes in the fifth minute of the match against Southeastern University of Florida.

The transfer from La Grange College scored on a solo effort down the right side of the field. He drove to just outside the box before drilling a right-footed shot across the box that rolled past the keeper's right.

The Southeastern Fire would answer in a matter of minutes when senior Justin Tait scored from the left side of box on an assist from fellow senior Knox Strawbridge.

The game's tied score would last throughout the majority of the game's first half. With two minutes left to play in the initial frame a Hurricane attack would prove successful. Freshman Joshua Manga gathered a pass at the edge of the box and dropped the ball back to senior Shane McKay who ripped a shot pass the Fire keeper to give GSW the 2-1 lead going into half.

The second half was a clean frame for both keepers as neither team's offense could finish a successful attack. Each keeper made only one save in the second half, which was enough to give Georgia Southwestern the 2-1 victory.

The Hurricanes will look to carry the momentum from Friday's win to Saturday's matchup against Johnson & Wales. Saturday's match is also a 3:00 start at Brewton Parker College in Mount Vernon.