Oct. 20, 2012

Final Stats

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina men’s soccer team (4-9-2, 1-5-1 C-USA) suffered a 2-1 loss to visiting Memphis (5-5-3, 1-1-2 C-USA) on Saturday night in Conference USA play at Stone Stadium. Braeden Troyer scored his third goal of the season for Carolina in the match.

Memphis held a 15-5 advantage in shots in the contest, including a 6-1 upperhand in shots on goal. Troyer scored for the Gamecocks with Hunter Wyer and Trent Rieflin earning assists. Goalkeeper Robert Beebe collected three saves in the first start of his career.

Forward Mark Sherrod posted the game winner for the Tigers, while Liam Collins added a goal and an assist in the match. Adam Camillo also collected two assists and netminder Conor Hurley posted one save.

The teams combined for 33 fouls in the match and Memphis had four yellow cards.

Memphis had its first opportunity of the contest at the 20-minute mark when Collins sent a hard strike just high of frame. Beebe came up strong with a save on a shot from Tanner Thompson moments later and South Carolina was able to clear the ensuing corner kick.

South Carolina built a strong opportunity out of its defensive third with 20 minutes remaining in the half. Mangotic found space down the left sideline, placing a through-pass to Bradlee Baladez who sent a cross towards the far post to Asa Kryst, but his shot was wide.

The teams traded offensive possessions midway through the half, before the Gamecocks marked the scoreboard with just over one minute remaining before the half. Wyer sent a long throw-in towards goal, which Rieflin redirected to Troyer at the far post. Troyer connected into the right side netting and gave the Gamecocks a 1-0 lead at the half.

Collins tied the contest in the 61st minute on a shot from 16 yards out that skimmed just underneath the crossbar to put the score at 1-1. Sherrod scored the game winner just four minutes later on a one-touch strike on a cross from Camillo.

Snoopy Davidson beat two Memphis defenders to find himself in position for a strike to the left side of frame with just under 10 minutes remaining, but Hurley made a diving save to his right side for a Gamecock corner, but Carolina was unable to score.

Dan Traxler sent a cross towards goal with 3:30 remaining, but Memphis’ defense cleared the attack and the game ended with the 2-1 final score.

South Carolina will host No. 12 Coastal Carolina in the home regular-season finale on Wednesday. Game time is set for 7 p.m.