Sept. 1, 2004

COLUMBIA, S.C. – –
The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team opened the 2004 season on Wednesday night with a 2-1 victory over William and Mary at Stone Stadium. Tonight’s win marked the eighth straight in a home season opener for the Gamecocks as they moved to 1-0. The Tribe fell to 0-1 to start the year.

“This is the second straight game (including last week’s exhibition tie with Virginia) that we have played a strong opponent and played well,” head coach Mark Berson said. “This is a confidence booster for our team. I thought both results were well-earned. It’s a real positive step for us at this point in the season, and I was proud of our team in every aspect tonight.”

South Carolina got on the scoreboard in bizarre fashion in the ninth minute of play. Gamecock Josh Alcala played a nice ball to Ayo Akinsete just inside the 18-yard box. A William and Mary defender attempted to clear the ball from Akinsete’s feet and knocked it into the Tribe’s goal, putting the Gamecocks on top, 1-0.

The Tribe fought back and tied the score just before halftime. Patrick Scherder scored from just outside the six-yard box on the left and into the bottom right corner of the net at the 42:43 mark

South Carolina quickly regained the lead in the second half. Alcala dribbled the ball into the box from the left side and dumped it off to freshman Sebastian Lindholm in front of the goal. Lindholm scored the game-winner past William and Mary goalkeeper Kris Rake to collect his first collegiate goal.

The Gamecocks out-shot their opponent 17-12 and forced Tribe goalkeeper Kris Rake to make eight saves on the evening. Brad Guzan stopped four shots and earned the win in goal for Carolina.

The Gamecocks are scheduled to travel to Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday, Sept. 5, to take on the University of Jacksonville. Match time is set for 5 p.m.