Sept. 2, 2005
Auburn, Ala. – Ashley Kirk and Mary Worthen each scored goals in the first half and goalkeeper Lindsay Thorstenson earned her second shutout of the season as the South Carolina women’s soccer team defeated Rhode Island 2-0 on the opening day of the Auburn Reebok Classic. South Carolina improves to 3-0 on the year while the loss drops the Rams to 0-3.
“We are excited to win, especially on the road,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “It was a good test for us against an out of region opponent and it was nice to get the victory. I think we controlled more of the match. We had some letdowns and started to not play our game but that’s something for us to work on and what we have to fix for Sunday’s match.”
Carolina went ahead early into the first half in the 17th minute on Kirk’s second goal of the season. A forward pass from Erin Geldhof was controlled by midfielder Monica Hogan. Hogan was able to settle the ball and play back to Kirk, who drove a shot from 25 yards out to the right corner of the goal and past URI goalkeeper Ria Carroll.
Carolina increased the lead to 2-0 at 31:15 on Worthen’s first career goal. Geldhof earned her second assist of the day as she played a long ball into the box that found Alex Mouton, who knocked a short cross to Worthen. Worthen was able to put the five yard shot in and past Carroll giving USC a two-goal edge.
The score would remain that way for the rest of the match with Thorstenson leading the way in between the posts. The sophomore goalkeeper finished the night with four saves.
“Lindsay did a great job in goal and controlling the goal box, that has been big difference from last year for her and her ability to win the box when we need it,” said Smith. “It’s a lot less pressure on our defenders and we have had a less chances against our goal because of the job she has been doing.”
South Carolina held a 13-7 shot advantage for the match. Hogan, Worthen and Darcel Mollon each had two shots for USC.
Friday’s win marked the first time in USC history that the Gamecocks have opened a season with three consecutive wins. The best start in Carolina history was in 2001 when Carolina opened the year with a 5-0-2 record. South Carolina will continue play in the Auburn Reebok Classic on Sunday, Sept. 4 when the Gamecocks meet Cal State Fullerton with kickoff set for Noon CT.
