Oct. 8, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team fell to Elon 1-0 on Wednesday evening at Stone Stadium. Paul Bellacqua’s goal on a counter attack at 70:00 in the second half was the lone goal of the match. Carolina is now 7-4 on the season while Elon improves to 4-5-1 on the year.
“We need to put together two solid halves and I thought in the second half we stepped it up but we gave up the goal on a counter,” said USC head coach Mark Berson. “This is another opportunity for us to learn and improve.”
South Carolina finished with a 13-5 shot advantage and a 7-1 edge in corner kicks on the night. Josh Alcala had three shots on the night with Ben Link, Ayo Akinsete, Ryan Deter and Jack Cummings with two shots apiece to lead the Gamecocks. Freshman goalkeeper Brad Guzan had three saves on the night in goal for Carolina.
Carolina was in control on the offensive side for most of the second half until Bellacqua broke in past the Carolina defense and was able to beat Guzan to the left corner to give Elon a 1-0 lead. USC looked to score a goal in the final minutes with several chances in the box but couldn’t come away with a goal.
South Carolina continues its homestand on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Stone Stadium vs. Wake Forest.
