Women's Soccer
FROM USC:
COLUMBIA, SC – The No. 4 Gamecocks women’s soccer team put up a valiant effort against the NC State Wolfpack on Sunday, but ended the match with their third draw of the season, 0-0. South Carolina finishes non-conference play 5-0-3.
Breaking Down the Action
South Carolina got up the first shot of the game from junior Catherine Barry in the fourth minute of play, but came out just wide to the left, setting up the first corner for the Gamecocks. Barry would then go on for a second attempt in the ninth minute, hitting just off course to the left once more.
The Gamecocks would see three more attempts (one on goal) and two more corners until a yellow card was handed out to freshman Micah Bryant in the 37th minute, her first of the season. NC State followed suit just two minutes later after a foul and a card was issued to Mia Vaughn. The Wolfpack put up one shot in the half, followed by a final attempt in the first period by Gamecocks’ 5th year Claire Griffiths, but both teams headed into the locker room at 0-0.
The second half saw most of the action from South Carolina, with the Gamecocks putting up two shots in the first two minutes (both by Barry), until the third card of the match was given to Griffiths. In the 55th minute, an absolute heart stopper of an attempt from Lily Render almost put the Gamecocks on top until it bounced off the crossbar.
South Carolina took nine shots in the second period, with one on goal, but could not capitalize. NC State doubled their chances in the last 45 compared to the first with two shots, but a save from senior goalkeeper Heather Hinz kept them at bay to finish the game with a draw.
The Gamecocks ended with a 16-3 shot advantage, took seven corners, and had possession of the ball 60% of the time.
UP NEXT
South Carolina heads to Tuscaloosa, AL to open up SEC Conference play on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Men's Soccer:
Four Different Players Score as Gamecocks Down Winthrop
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Behind four first-half goals, the South Carolina men’s soccer team took down in-state foe Winthrop 4-2 Friday night (Sept. 9) at Stone Stadium. The win was the second in-a-row for the Gamecocks and improves their record to 2-2-1 on the season.
All four Carolina goals came from different players as six players tallied a point. All four goals were the first of the season for each player. Adam Luckhurst finished the night with four points, a goal and two assists. He becomes the first Gamecock with a goal and two assists since Mitchell Myers against FIU on Nov. 2, 2018. Parker League also tallied a goal and an assist on the night, the first to do so since Peter Clement on April 10, 2021.
The Eagles jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the 12th minute after clearing a loose ball rebound. It didn’t take long for Carolina to answer back. On a free kick from nearly 40 yards out in the 14th minute, Will Crain put a shot on net that pushed the Winthrop goalie beyond the goal line. After VAR confirmed the call on the field, Crain celebrated his first goal as a Gamecock.
Nearly 20 minutes later, South Carolina would break the tie in the 33rd minute. Rocky Perez found Luckhurst near the top of the box. Luckhurst gave a soft touch ahead to a breaking Brian Banahan on the left side of the box as he went short side past the Eagle goalie, for his first goal of the season.
The Gamecocks were not done yet as less than three minutes later it would be Luckhurst’s turn. After long throw in by Logan Frost found League in the box, his initial shot was saved by the keeper. Luckhurst was there to sweep up the garbage and pound the rebound home into the back of the net.
South Carolina stepped on the gas pedal to close out the first half, as this time it was League scoring with 48 seconds left in the period. After a free kick, Luckhurst played the ball out wide right to Micah Colodny. From near the sideline, Colodny played the ball inside the box where it found League. Falling away from the goal, League was able to just get his head on it and put it just inside the far post and lead 4-1 heading into the break.
Winthrop added another rebound goal with 15 minutes to play, but that would be their final opportunity of the match.
The Gamecocks out-shot the Eagles 23-10 on the night. Freshman goalkeeper Ben Alexander finished with five saves.
South Carolina hits the road Tuesday, September 13, when it takes on UNC Wilmington at 7p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Carolina sweep two games with Cincinnati. The Gamecocks are 5-3 on the year.
southcarolina.rivals.com
southcarolina.rivals.com
n.rivals.com
