August 30, 2001

Columbia, S.C.- On Sunday, Sept. 2 at 2:00 p.m. the No. 17 South Carolina men’s soccer team kicks-off the 2001 season, hosting No. 12 Penn State at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium.

USC’s match-up against the Nittany Lions highlights two of the top ranked teams in the nation. This is the third-consecutive meeting between the two teams.

Last year South Carolina defeated Penn State 1-0 at Jeffrey Field in State College, Pa. Forward Jordan Quinn scored an unassisted game-winning goal in the 31st minute.

“We are very anxious to get started,” stated Head Coach Mark Berson. “The players have worked really hard and I am pleased with our results during preseason.”

Last weekend South Carolina took on No. 4 Indiana and No. 23 Kentucky at the IP-Ft. Wayne Soccer Showcase exhibition tournament. The Gamecocks tied the Hoosiers, 0-0, and defeated the Wildcats, 2-0.

The Gamecocks, ranked fifth in the nation in attendance last season, are holding a fan appreciation day to thank the community for their support. After the Penn State match, men’s soccer posters will be handed out while Gamecock players sign autographs.

“The Penn State match-up is going to be a great game,” commented Berson. “If anybody is going to come to a men’s soccer match this year, they need to come to this one. It will be a great showdown.”

The Gamecocks and the Nittany Lions take the field at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Source: USCsports.com