October 15, 2001

Columbia, S. C. – With a 5-0 win over Gardner-Webb, South Carolina posted its fourth shutout of the season tonight at Eugene Stone Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Extending their home win streak to five, the Gamecocks improve to 8-2, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs drop to 4-10.

USC’s first goal of the match was scored at the 10:24 mark. Ryan Daley, scoring his seventh goal of the season, knocked in a pass from Joey Worthen to give the Gamecocks a 1-0 lead. USC would carry the one goal lead into halftime. South Carolina outshot Gardner-Webb 9-1 in the first half.

In the second half, three Gamecocks recorded their first goal of the season. Jack Cumming struck first in the 52nd minute. Assisted by Kolby Runager, Cummings knocked the ball past goalkeeper Troy Steffen, extending the Gamecocks lead to 2-0.

Also scoring his first goal of the season, was USC’s assist leader Jordan Smith. Smith headed the ball off a corner kick by midfielder Dave Moore. Ray Fischer and Tony Vitagliano would add two more goals for the Gamecocks late in the second half. Fischer’s goal was his second of the season, while Vitagliano registered his first score of the season.

Gamecock goalkeepers Michael Bachmeyer, recording two saves, and Zac Jordan were credited with the shutout. USC outshot the Runnin’ Bulldogs 24-4.

“It was important for us to play well tonight, and I think we did,” stated Head Coach Mark Berson.

USC will continue their home stretch this weekend when they host the annual Gamecock Soccer Classic. The two-day tournament will begin on Friday as Charleston will face Rutgers at 5 p.m., followed by South Carolina facing Maryland as 7:30 p.m. South Carolina and Charleston will alternate opponents on Sunday, with the Cougars facing Maryland at 11 a.m. and the Gamecocks taking on the Scarlet Knights at 1:30 p.m.

“We have a tremendous field for this tournament,” commented Berson. ” We have two (Rutgers and Maryland) of the elite teams in college soccer.”

Source: USCSPORTS.COM