November 26, 2001

Columbia, S.C. – In the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament the University of South Carolina falls to University of Alabama-Birmingham, 2-3, in overtime today in Columbia, S.C. The Gamecocks, finishing the season 12-5-2, received a bye in the first round, while UAB defeated Furman, 1-0, in overtime.

The Blazers struck first at the 11:09 mark when Martin Rey knocked in the ball from 15 yards out. Rey’s goal would give UAB a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Gamecocks, coming on strong in the second half, scored off a penalty kick in the 48th minute. Joey Worthen, tripped by Rogerio Oliveira, resulted in a penalty kick taken by Ryan Daley. Daley netted the ball in the top left corner of the goal, tying the match at 1-1.

With less than fifteen minutes left in regulation, Rey scored his second goal of the match, giving the Blazers a 2-1 lead. Answering the Blazers’ goal, Gamecock forward Jordan Quinn, tied the game at 2-2 just fifty-four seconds later. Ryan Barber, serving the ball from midfield, connected with Quinn who headed the ball in from the goal box.

The match ended regulation knotted at 2-2. The Blazer’s would go on to win with a shot by Flavio Monteiro at 96:47. Monteiro fired the ball over Gamecock goalkeeper Michael Bachmeyer’s head to give the Blazers the victory. UAB advances to the third round where they will face Clemson.

South Carolina dominated play, outshooting UAB 15-10. Bachmeyer recorded four saves, while Blazers goalkeeper Clint Baumstark registered three.

“Our team , all year, has been able to come from behind after an opposing team has scored the first goal,” stated Head Coach Mark Berson. “I think that is a credit to our determination and the character of our team. We have had a tremendous season but it is disappointing to not advance.”

This marked the 15th NCAA appearance for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Source: USCSPORTS.COM