The Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team showed little rust from not having played a match over the past 444 days, registering a convincing 3-0 road victory in Thursday afternoon's spring season opener at Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia.

After a scoreless first half, the Grizzlies (1-0) found the back of the net three times over the final 45 minutes to record its first win ever at Thomas (0-2).

Junior Gianmaria Fiore opened the scoring in the 69th minute with a header off a corner kick from senior Toni Tiente.

Four minutes later, freshman Jason Strambu gave the visitors a key insurance goal before sophomore James Forster capped the scoring with a tally in the final minute of play.

Junior Karim Tmimi attempted three shots in the match and assisted on Forster's late score. Senior Alfredo Rivera provided an assist on GGC's first two goals.

The Grizzlies outshot Thomas 10-7, with all three of the Grizzlies' shots on goal finding the back of the net. The team had eight corner kicks in the victory.

Senior goalkeeper Matija Gligorovic made three saves in recording the shutout.

GGC has won its last four season openers, including the last three matches by identical 3-0 scores.
  "We really started to connect on our passes in the second half, after making some halftime adjustments. That passing got us our three goals. Everybody did very well and it was a very professional approach to the match. I was very pleased with the performance for our season opener," said Head Coach Steve DeCou.
  Once finding their rhythm midway through the second half, the Grizzlies started clicking on all cylinders to score three goals over the final 21 minutes of the match. Junior Gianmaria Fiore broke the scoreless match with a goal in the 69th minute. Then, four minutes later, freshman Jason Strambu tallied his first collegiate goal and sophomore James Forster closed out the match with a score in the final minute.
  69' – Gianmaria Fiore, GGC (Toni Tiente, Alfredo Rivera)
73' – Jason Strambu, GGC (Alfredo Rivera)
89' – James Forster, GGC (Karim Tmimi)
 

• The Grizzlies held a 10-7 shot advantage in the match
• Senior Toni Tiente recorded his 18th career assist
• GGC attempted eight corner kicks in the contest
• Both teams registered three shots on goal over the 90 minutes of action

• GGC opened the season Thursday, while Thomas stands 0-2 this spring
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 16 in the final 2019 poll
• The Grizzlies lead the all-time series 5-3
• Thursday's win marked the first GGC victory in four trips playing at Thomas

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to Florida College on Saturday, February 20, at Temple Terrance, Florida, starting at noon.