Aug. 30, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – Three second-half goals led the University of South Carolina women’s soccer team to a 3-0 win vs. Birmingham Southern in the first women’s soccer match of the 2002 season. Carolina is 1-0 heading into Sunday’s away match at 4 p.m. at Davidson.

“We are excited to start the 2002 season with a win and know we still have a lot to work on as the season continues,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “We created a lot of chances in the first half but couldn’t get one in the net. Once we scored that first goal in the second half it was a boost of confidence and we were able come back with a couple more.”

Carolina opened the scoring at 47:31 as senior Morgan McIntyre drove into the box and beat BSC goalkeeper Tally Ewing putting the Gamecocks on top 1-0. Less then two minutes later the Gamecocks scored their second goal of the match as senior midfielder Jess Julin fed senior Melinda Carter, who drove home the goal into the left corner of the BSC net for a 2-0 lead. Two newcomers completed the Gamecock scoring at 65:56. Amanda Thurber found freshman forward Lindsay Haney on a run and Haney drilled home her first USC career goal to the left corner giving South Carolina a 3-0 lead.

McIntyre’s goal in the second half was her 21st of her career and the first goal for McIntyre since the 2000 season. McIntyre had to sit out 2001 with an ankle injury.

“You can see how much she adds to the team when she is on the field,” said Coach Smith. “She is what we need up top this season and will be a big help all year.”

This afternoon’s game also featured two siblings on opposing teams. BSC head coach Keidane McAlpine and senior Carolina defender Kanika McAlpine reunited on the field this afternoon. McAlpine started for Carolina at left back.