Gamecocks Drop Opening Exhibition to USC Upstate 2-1

Aug. 16, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In their fourth day of training, South Carolina hosted USC Upstate for an exhibition, and the Spartans claimed a 2-1 win on a steamy Saturday evening at Stone Stadium.

The Spartans tallied goals in the first and third of the three 30-minute periods played, with Taylor Scalera putting in the first goal in the 10th minute and Rinaldi Alphonse the game-winner in the 78th minute. Gamecock Jeffrey Torda tallied the lone Gamecock goal two minutes into the third period with a blast from just outside the 18-yard box.

South Carolina played through most of its roster, mixing and matching starters and reserves at different points to get everyone acclimated. Asa Kryst played mostly in the first and third period and had three shots, leading all players.

A couple of missed opportunities cost the Gamecocks, with open chances missing wide during the contest.

Game Changer:
A transition goal came with 12 minutes to play, giving USC Upstate the lead again 16 minutes after the Gamecocks tied it on a beautiful strike from Jeffrey Torda from 20 yards back.

Key Stat:
USC Upstate stopped three Gamecock shots on the night, all by starting goalkeeper Hassan Haddad.

Notables:
• The Gamecocks outshot the Spartans, 13-4, and took seven corner kicks, with USC Upstate not getting one at all.
• Eight of those South Carolina shots came in the final period, with only the goal coming on frame.
• USC Upstate had 17 fouls compared to 13 for South Carolina.

Up Next:
The Gamecocks play their second of three exhibitions and their final one at home against Elon at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Stone Stadium.