Sept. 25, 2002

Columbia, S.C.- With a 1-0 win against Evansville (Ind.) on Sunday, Sept. 22, the No. 2 University of South Carolina (7-0-1) is tied for the nation’s longest unbeaten streak in Division I men’s soccer recording eight straight matches without a loss. With the victory, the Gamecocks moved up one spot and are now ranked second in the nation by the Soccer Times. Carolina joins New Mexico, Coastal Carolina, and University of Detroit with at least seven wins and no losses.

Head Coach Mark Berson’s team is also ranked nationally by the NCAA in several key defensive categories including team goals against average and shutout percentage.

The team is ranked 20th nation-wide in shutout percentage while keeping their opponents from scoring a goal in half of their games (0.5 total shutout percentage).

USC is ninth nation-wide in goals against average allowing only 0.49 goals against per-game. Senior goalkeeper Michael Bachmeyer anchors the defense and has an average of 0.49 goals against and a total of 20 saves on the season. Junior defender Jordan Smith was named the defensive MVP of last week’s Pro-rehab Aces Classic in Evansville, Ind.

The Gamecocks hit the road for their next matchup against Davidson on Sunday, Sep 29. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. South Carolina’s next home match is against eighth-ranked rival Clemson on Sunday, Oct 6.