Velazquez-Lopez Goal Leads Gamecocks Past Royals

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team (6-3-1) defeated Queens University Charlotte (4-3) 1-0 to finish non-conference play Tuesday night (Sept. 23) at Stone Stadium. Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez’s game-winning goal came in the 77th minute.

The Gamecocks attempted 14 shots on the night, with four of them coming on target, while the Royals managed seven total shots and one shot on goal. Carolina also led in corner kicks 8-to-2.

The Gamecocks threatened with a free kick outside the 18-yard box in just the fourth minute. The shot from Ethan Ballek was blocked, but it got the South Carolina offense going early. The team established possession but were unable to connect. The Gamecocks took their first shot on target in the 22nd minute when Loic Sany Kong forced a save with a shot off a through ball to the bottom left corner.

South Carolina’s next chance came in the 35th minute, when Tyler Trimnal flicked the ball to Samy Kolby at the top of the 18-yard box. Kolby took a shot with his left foot toward the bottom left corner, but the Queens goalie dove and got the tip of his finger on the ball to send it out of bounds.

The Gamecocks went into the locker room with eight shots and three shots on goal.

The Royals were initially awarded a penalty kick in the 57th minute, but the call was overturned after video review.

South Carolina had its closest chance just a minute later when Queens’ goalie headed the ball to Ballek’s feet outside of the 18-yard box. Ballek took a bouncing touch, then volleyed a shot off the outside of his foot to the upper right corner, but the ball hit the corner of the woodwork.

The Gamecocks finally broke the ice in the 77th minute with Velazquez-Lopez’s goal. He received the ball in the attacking third and beat two defenders on the dribble. He shot the ball from the top of the box into the bottom right corner. The goal was his third of the season and it his second game-winning goal. It also marked the second straight match with a goal.

Carolina hits the road Sunday to return to conference play and take on James Madison at 7 p.m.

For the latest on men’s soccer, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockMSoccer, Facebook /GamecockMSoccer, and Instagram @GamecockMSoccer.