September 8, 2001

Charleston, S.C. – With one minute remaining in regulation, SMU scores the game-winning goal to defeat USC, 3-2. South Carolina falls to 1-1, while SMU improves to 3-0.

SMU tallied the first goal of the match off a free kick by Luchi Gonzalez, at the 12:24 mark. With a cross from Diego Walsh, Gonzalez would post his second goal of the half for the Mustangs.

With 19 minutes remaining in the first half, South Carolina sophomore Ryan Daley, assisted by Jon Rich, scored his second goal of the season. SMU would enter halftime with a 2-1 lead.

In the second half Gamecock seniors, Ryan Stocking and Joey Worthen, combined for USC’s second goal of the match. Worthen’s first goal of the season tied the match at 2-2. The Gamecocks would continue to dominate the match for the majority of the second half.

When the clock hit the one minute mark, Ross Spencer scored the game-winning goal off a corner kick. Spencer headed the ball just past goalkeeper, Michael Bachmeyer, to down USC 3-2. SMU out shot the Gamecocks 16-11.

“It took a lot to comeback from a 2-0 deficit,” stated Head Coach Mark Berson. “We showed a lot of heart and inspiration to battle back like that. We just need to eliminate our mistakes in order to improve.”

South Carolina plays it’s second match of the Aaron Olitsky Memorial Classic against TCU on Sunday Sept. 1 at 1:00 p.m.

“The group will be ready to play against TCU,” commented Coach Berson. “The team showed tremendous character tonight and will rest up for Sunday’s match.”