Sept. 24, 2005
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ayo Akinsete’s overtime goal lifted the South Carolina men’s soccer team to its third straight win Saturday night, 2-1, over Charlotte at Transamerica Field. The Gamecocks improved to 3-5-0 on the season while the 49ers slipped to 2-4-0.
“I’m very proud of this group, once again,” Gamecock coach Mark Berson said. “They showed a lot of character and determination tonight. It’s not easy to come back and win in overtime on the road. This is another important win for us before we go into Conference USA play at East Carolina on Sunday.”
South Carolina took a 1-0 just before halftime when senior Josh Alcala scored his first goal of the season at the 42:31 mark. The Gamecocks maintained the lead until the wanning moments of the game. Charlotte tied the match with seven seconds remaining in the match on a score by Floyd Franks (89:53). Adam Ruud and Michael Rose were credited with assists on Floyd’s second goal of the season.
Carolina had a chance to put the match away in regulation, but Akinsete’s shot was saved by 49er goalie Josh Beacham as time expired and the match headed to overtime.
USC wasted no time in the extra period. Akinsete struck for his second goal of the season just 2:35 into the overtime, giving the Gamecocks a win in their final non-conference match. Juniors Mike Sambursky and Rob Charest assisted on Akinsete’s goal.
Charlotte edged South Carolina in the shots category, 14-12. Freshman goalkeeper Mike Gustavson stopped seven 49er shot attempts. Beacham finished with three saves for Charlotte.
Carolina is now 2-1 in overtime matches this season. The Gamecocks also won their third straight match tonight after beating Loyola-Chicago, 2-1, in double overtime on Sunday and topping No. 25 UNC Wilmington, 4-2, on Wednesday.
The Gamecocks open Conference USA play on Sunday, Oct. 2, at East Carolina. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
