Sept. 14, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina posts two consecutive shutouts to win the 2003 Gamecock Soccer Classic. The Gamecocks put on a strong showing late in the second half to defeat the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 3-0. South Carolina improved to 6-0-0 on the season, tying the third best start in school history, while the Bulldogs fell to 2-4-0.
In the first half, South Carolina and Alabama A&M battled to a scoreless tie. South Carolina outshot the Bulldogs, 10-4, but were unable to capitalize. Gamecock goalkeeper Brad Guzan posted one save, while Alabama A&M’s Andrew Jjombwe recorded three.
In the second half, the Gamecocks registered their first of three goals in the 77th minute. Ben Link scored from five yards to give the Gamecocks a 1-0 lead. Link was assisted by Lawson Vaughn and Anthony Stovall. The Gamecocks would jump to a 2-0 lead after an Ayo Akinsete open-net goal at 79:56. This marks the sixth consecutive game Akinsete has netted a goal.
With under two minutes remaining, sophomore Ryan Deter, scoring his fifth goal of the season, slipped the ball past Jjombwe to give the Gamecocks a three-goal win over the Bulldogs.
For the day, Guazn recorded two saves, while Jjombwe tallied eight. South Carolina dominated play, outshooting Alabama A&M 22-8.
“This was a great win for our team over an excellent Alabama A&M team,” commented Head Coach Mark Berson. “Our team stepped up in the second half and earned a hard fought victory. To face both Jacksonville and Alabama A&M and not give up a goal is an outstanding accomplishment for our team.”
In the earlier match, College of Charleston defeated Jacksonville 3-0. The Dolphins were 0-2 in the Gamecocks Soccer classic, while the Cougars went 1-1.
The Gamecocks return to action on Sunday, Sept. 21 when they host Appalachian State at 4:00 p.m. Sunday’s meeting will be the second part of a double-header with women’s soccer. The Gamecocks-Mountaineers matchup will be broadcasted live on the internet at www.uscsports.com.
The Gamecock Soccer Classic All-Tournament TeamBrian Blackburn - JacksonvilleBrett Wagner - JacksonvilleDrew Cavanagh - College of CharlestonRicardo Diaz Granados - College of CharlestonMusa Munneh - Alabama A&MAndrew Jjombwe - Alabama A&MMusa Gibba - Alabama A&MJack Cummings - South CarolinaRyan Deter - South CarolinaEric Szeszycki - South CarolinaBrad Guzan - South CarolinaTournament MVP-Defense - Brad Guzan - South CarolinaTournament MVP-Offense - Musa Munneh- Alabama A&M
