The George C. Marshall boys varsity soccer team pulled its record back to .500 with a win in its first match since the spring break hiatus, 2-1 over Annandale Tuesday night.

Trailing by a goal after Annandale broke the scoreless tie with a minute remaining in the first half, the Statesmen came to life after the break. Marshall’s Nabil Abuke netted the equalizer five minutes into the second half as the final stroke off a direct kick by William Blakely. Scott Bugby deflected Blakely’s ball directly to Abuke near the six-yard box for the goal.

As the second half drew on, the Marshall defense limited Annandale’s chances, forcing the Atoms to take shots from distance or poor angles. As the Statesmen began to gain control in the match, Abuke nearly struck again, with a shot ricocheting off the cross bar. With time winding down, the Statesmen broke through for the game-winner, Jorge Romero found Brendan Stringer making a long diagonal run. Bearing down on the Annandale keeper, Stringer passed the ball across the six to Abuke, who pushed it into the far side of the net for the decisive score with three minutes remaining in the match.

Marshall’s Wally Al-Kakan manned the nets for the Statesmen in the victory.

Marshall (3-3) next faced Falls Church High School at home Wednesday, April 11. Results of that contest were not available at press time. The Statesmen play at home again on April 13 when they take on Stone Bridge at 7 p.m.

The win by Marshall snaps a three-game losing skid for the Statesmen that dated back to March 20 when Marshall dropped a 3-2 decision to Lee High School. Marshall opened the season with wins over J.E.B. Stuart (2-1) and Potomac (5-3). In the Liberty District, the Statesmen’s record stands at 0-1, after losing to South Lakes, 4-1, March 26.