Aug. 26, 2004
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team used a solid defensive effort and a shutout from sophomore goalkeeper Brad Guzan to earn a 0-0 tie with eighth-ranked Virginia in an exhibition match on Thursday night at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium in Columbia, S.C. “I was pleased with the way we played tonight,” said Gamecock head coach Mark Berson. “We were able to come out and create a lot of opportunities against a good Virginia team. I think the fact that we created pressure on them was a good thing for us. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get one, but we were able to take the play to Virginia for much of the match and that’s a good sign for such a young team.” In the first outing of the year for both teams, each side spent much of the first half feeling the other out with neither team being able to create many chances. Guzan was not forced to make any saves in the first frame for South Carolina, while the Gamecocks did manage one shot on goal against the Cavaliers Ryan Burke in the opening period. The action picked up markedly in the second half, with the Gamecocks carrying the play for much of the period. In the half, South Carolina sophomore Mike Sambursky had a pair of shots on net, including one breakaway chance that was handled nicely by Burke. In the match, the Gamecocks out shot the Cavaliers by a 17-9 overall margin and by a 6-3 count in shots on goal. “We worked hard in the preseason on defense and closing down spaces,” said Berson. “I think we were able to pressure Virginia all over the field and turn the ball over, which was a key for us tonight.” Guzan finished the night with three saves in earning the clean slate, while Burke had six stops. South Carolina will open the regular season on Wednesday, September 1, when it hosts William & Mary at 7 p.m.
