Sept. 28, 2003
Athens, Ga. – Erica Bowie’s goal at 84:02 in the second half lifted the South Carolina women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win vs. Liberty at the UGA/Nike Tournament on Sunday afternoon. Bowie’s goal was her third of the season and helped the Gamecocks improve to 7-3-1 on the year while the loss drops Liberty to 1-8-1 on the season.
The first half was scoreless with Carolina controlling the offensive 1/3 for most the half. Freshman M.A. Foster broke through the Liberty defense on a run but was robbed by Natalie Mayer on a shot from inside the box. Ashley Williams also had a chance just 20 seconds before the end of the half as she knocked a shot just above the crossbar off a cross. USC held a 11-3 shot advantage after the first half.
The second half was similar to the first with the Gamecocks still in control of the offensive play. Carolina came away with its lone goal with just over five minutes remaining in the match as Bowie scored on a putback off a shot from Camille Toney that hit the crossbar. USC finished the evening with a 21-7 shot advantage. Elise Matthews earned her third shutout of the year and had two saves in the goal for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina finished the UGA/Nike Tournament with a 2-0 record. Three South Carolina players were named to the All-Tournament Team following Sunday’s contest. Junior defender Sarah Lentz, sophomore midfielder Amanda Thurber and freshman midfielder Shelly Hoddeson all earned tournament honors for the Gamecocks.
Carolina returns home to Stone Stadium on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. opening up the SEC season vs. Auburn, the defending SEC champion.
