Sept. 5, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer victory over the Richmond Spiders will go down in the books as another milestone for Head Coach Mark Berson and the men’s soccer program. With the 3-0 victory, Berson earned his 350th Gamecock win. Currently in his 26th season at the helm of the Gamecock men’s soccer program, Berson has established USC as a predominant force in the collegiate ranks year in and year out.

Last season Berson earned his 350 career win on Sept. 6, 2002, after a 2-1 victory over NC State. Overall, Berson has 361 career wins which places him seventh on the Division I active coaches list and the eleventh winningest coach of all-time at the Division I level (according to number of wins).

During his previous 25 years at South Carolina he has posted 23 winning seasons, in which 16 of those ended in postseason play. USC has also made two trips to the Final Four and four trips to the quarterfinals. Berson has coached nine All-Americans, 11 Academic All-Americans, two National Goalkeepers of the Year, one National Freshman of the Year and 10 Senior Bowl participants.

Forty South Carolina players have continued their careers in the professional ranks under the tutelage of Coach Berson. Former South Carolina soccer players have represented the United States in both the Olympics and the World Cup. Two of Coach Berson’s pupils, Clint Mathis and Josh Wolff, were members of the 2002 USA World Cup squad that advanced to the quarterfinals.

Prior to coming to South Carolina, Berson coached one season at The Citadel where he posted a record of 11-5-0, which still stands as the best record in The Citadel history.