Aug 13, 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The University of South Carolina women’s soccer team earned a 2-0 victory at College of Charleston in exhibition action on Tuesday from the Patriots Point Athletic Complex in Mt. Pleasant. Sophomore midfielder Bay Daniel earned the game winner in the 42nd minute, and freshman forward Daija Griffin added a tally in the 55th minute to seal the win for the Gamecocks. The match at Charleston is the only Carolina exhibition this season.
Due to exhibition play, the teams played three 30-minute periods. The Gamecocks played 27 players in the match, posting 13 shots against nine from the Cougars. Junior goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo earned the start, playing nearly 75 minutes in goal, before sophomore goalkeeper Emily Ball finished the contest for the shutout.
“For being only five days into preseason, we were able to apply a lot already on the field,” head coach Shelley Smith said after the win. “I was pleased with what we were able to accomplish, being able to play organized and we put together some good play on the field. We learned from the first 30-minute period and improved the rest of the way through the match, which was good to show the team can learn and adjust. We were able to play our entire roster today, and it gave us a good idea of where we are at, and what we need to improve on.”
Griffin led the Carolina attack with three shots, including two on frame, while freshman midfielder Iris Dayton and sophomore midfielder Raina Johnson both posted two shots. Senior defender Abby Sams added an assist on the game winner.
Michaela Hermann led the Cougar attack, posting two shots, including the only Charleston attempt on frame in the match. Three Cougars earned time in goal, with Eli Sarasola earning the start and collecting two saves.
Neither team marked the scoreboard in the opening period, but Daniel posted the eventual game winner in the 42nd minute on an assist from Sams. After collecting the ball at her feet, Sams hit a through ball ahead of the stride of Daniel, who connected to the goalkeeper’s right side for a 1-0 Carolina upperhand.
Griffin added the second Gamecock goal of the match in the 55th minute on an unassisted tally. The freshman striker collected her own rebound after beating a defender in a 1-v-1 situation and placed the ball in the back of the net for the deciding 2-0 Gamecock lead.
South Carolina begins the 2013 campaign with its season opener against UNC Wilmington on Aug. 23 at Stone Stadium. Game time for the match is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Season Tickets for the 2013 season are currently on sale for Gamecock women’s soccer. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $10 for youth (17 and under). They can be purchased at GamecocksOnline.com or by calling (800) 4SC-FANS.
