Sept. 15, 2002
Columbia, S.C. – No. 5 South Carolina was crowned Gamecock Soccer Classic Champions after downing No. 10 Washington, 3-1, in front of 1,104 fans at Stone Stadium today. South Carolina improves to 6-0, fourth longest win-streak start in school history, after handing the Huskies (2-1-2) their first loss of the season.
Washington struck first when C. J. Klass crossed to Kevin Murray who slipped it past Gamecock goalkeeper Michael Bachmeyer at 10:36. South Carolina equalized the score at 1-1 just 34 seconds later. A shot by Jack Cummings was deflected into the net by a Huskies defender for an own goal. The match would enter halftime deadlocked at 1-1.
At the 56 minute mark Robert Rosenberg passed the ball to the middle of the box, where Jordan Quinn headed the ball past Husky goalkeeper Daniel Waltman to give USC a one-point lead. Rosenberg posted his second assist of the match when he connected with Ryan Deter. Deter netted his fourth goal of the season at the 69:48, giving USC an insurance goal.
“It was a significant win for us,” stated Head Coach Mark Berson. “Washington is a great team and anytime you beat a great team you feel good about it.”
The Gamecocks outshot the Huskies 21-8 and held the corner kick advantage at 5-1. Bachmeyer recorded five saves, while Waltman tallied nine.
For the second consecutive week, Jordan Quinn was named Most Valuable Player. Last week Quinn earned MVP honors at the Duke/adidas classic. Also named to the all-tournament team was Robert Rosenberg (USC), Jordan Smith (USC), Michael Bachmeyer (USC), C.J. Klass (UW), Aaron Heinzel (UW), Casey Armstrong (UW), Ben Hollingsworth (CofC), Montae Seabrook (CofC), Matthew Chambers (UNH) and Brendan Hankard (UNH). Quinn was named offensive MVP and Washington’s Aaron Heinzel was named defensive MVP.
In the earlier match, College of Charleston scored two goals in the final three minutes of action to defeat New Hampshire 2-1. Charleston improved to 3-2-1, while New Hampshire fell to 4-2.
The Gamecocks head to Evansville, Ind. on Sept. 20-22 for the Pro-rehab-Aces Classic. On Friday, Sept. 20 South Carolina takes on Louisville at 5:00 p.m. USC closes out the tournament against host Evansville at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.
