Sept. 3, 2009
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GAME INFORMATION
Date: Friday, September 4, 2009
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Clemson, S.C.
Stadium: Riggs Field (6,500)
Series: Clemson leads 22-13-1
Clemson leads 12-7-0 at Riggs Field
Game Preview
Following its season-opening victory against Charlotte on Tuesday evening, South Carolina continues non-conference action when it travels to face archrival Clemson in an intrastate battle on Friday night at Riggs Field in Clemson.
Series Information
Clemson owns a 22-13-1 upperhand in the all-time series against South Carolina. The Gamecocks have won two straight in the series, both shutout victories. South Carolina has won three of the last five meetings between the two schools, including a 1-0 double-overtime victory at Clemson during the 2007 campaign.
Last Time Versus The Tigers
Then-sophomore Sam Arthur collected the game-winning goal in the match, striking in the 28th minute of play on an assist from classmate Blake Brettschneider in the 2008 season opener. A Stone Stadium record 6,102 fans attended the 2-0 Carolina win. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer drew his first shutout of the season in the match, collecting three saves, while Brettschneider also added a goal for Carolina. The win marked the second-straight shutout over Clemson.
Last Time At Riggs Field
The last time South Carolina traveled to Riggs Field to face the Tigers was in the 2007 season opener. South Carolina won the contest, a double-overtime battle, in the final minute of play on a goal by then-freshman Blake Brettschneider. Then-junior David Smith collected the assist on the game-winner. That win marked South Carolina’s first win at Riggs Field since a 3-2 victory during the 1995 season.
Gamecocks In Season Openers
Following its 3-1 win over Charlotte on Tuesday, South Carolina owns a 27-4-1 all-time record in season openers, including a string of three consecutive victories in the opening game of the season.
Preseason Accolades
South Carolina had two players honored on the Preseason All-Conference USA team in junior striker Sam Arthur and junior goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Arthur led the league in goals (12) and overall points (27) in 2008, while Maurer ranked among the top three goalkeepers in the league in goals against average (0.80), saves (91) and saves per game (4.79), while leading the league in shutouts (9) and save percentage (.850).
CollegeSoccerNews.com’s Freshmen To Watch In 2009
Two of South Carolina’s four-member freshman class were listed on CollegeSoccerNews.com’s 100 Freshmen To Keep an Eye On list. Rookie defender Eric Martinez and freshman netminder Alex Long were honored with selection to the list. The duo were also named to the 2009 Parade Magazine High School Boys All-America squad earlier this summer.
Hermann Trophy Watch List
South Carolina goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer was named to the 2009 Hermann Trophy Watch List in early August. The Hermann Trophy is the top individual award presented in intercollegiate soccer.
Stone Stadium Success
Last season, South Carolina earned a record of 5-1-3 in games played at Stone Stadium. Over the course of the past five seasons, the Berson-led Gamecocks have compiled a 31-10-3 (.739) record on their home field.
Up Next For The Gamecocks
Following Friday’s contest at Clemson, South Carolina returns home to host its annual adidas Gamecock Classic, Sept. 11-13. Butler, George Mason and Presbyterian will also participate in the weekend event.
Challenging Schedule Awaits Gamecocks In 2009
The Gamecocks will play a challenging schedule in 2009, with contests against at least three teams ranked in the Preseason NSCAA Top-25 Poll. From the poll, Carolina will host No. 3 Wake Forest, will travel to No. 9 Northwestern, and will host No. 14 Tulsa during Conference USA play.
