Sept. 12, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – In the second match of the Gamecock Soccer Classic, the South Carolina men’s soccer team defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins 4-0, under the lights at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium tonight. The Gamecocks improved to 5-0-0, while the Dolphins fell to 1-3-1.
“I am very pleased with our performance tonight,” commented Head Coach Mark Berson. “It was a team effort from start to finish.”
Junior Anthony Stovall scored the Gamecocks first goal of the match at 22:10. Ayo Akinsete served the ball to Stovall from midfield, who slipped it past Dolphins goalkeeper Greg Williams. Just under two minutes later, Williams deflected an Eric Szeszycki shot directly towards Ryan Deter who then netted his fourth goal of the season. Deter’s goal gave the Gamecocks a 2-0 lead going into halftime.
With 23 minutes left in the second half, Lawson Vaughn connected with Jack Cummings, from 20 yards out, to give the Gamecocks a three-goal lead. At 67:52 the Gamecocks were awarded a penalty kick after Ayo Akinsete was tripped in the box. Akinsete’s successful penalty kick extended his scoring streak to five matches and gives the Gamecocks a 4-0 advantage over the Dolphins.
The Gamecocks had an impressive showing, outshooting the Dolphins 18-10. Gamecock goalkeeper Brad Guzan recorded six saves on the night to help secure USC’s third shutout of the season.
“He (Brad) is an outstanding goalkeeper who is learning our system and is becoming a good leader in the back, defensively,” stated Coach Berson.
In the earlier match, Alabama A&M defeated the College of Charleston 2-1. Ricardo Diaz scored the lone goal for the Cougars at 24:18. The Alabama A&M Bulldogs answered Diaz’s goal and netted their first of two goals in the 42nd minute. The Bulldogs took the lead at 64:26, when Musa Manneh scored the game-winning goal.
The second day of the Gamecock Soccer Classic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14. College of Charleston will face Jacksonville in the early match (noon), while the Gamecocks host the Bulldogs at 2:30 p.m.
