Sept. 2, 2005
Clemson, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team lost a 2-1 double-overtime heartbreaker to Clemson Friday at Riggs Field.
With USC holding a 1-0 lead and time dwindling, Clemson tied the match at one goal apiece with 22 seconds left to play in regulation after pulling all 11 players into the penalty area in desperation. The Tigers struck for the game-winner in the second overtime. USC was called for a foul just outside the box, setting up a free kick for Clemson. Justin Moore took the free kick and fired it to the far post where it deflected off Gamecock defender Josh Alcala and into the net two minutes into the second overtime. An own goal was credited on the play.
USC fell to 0-1, losing its season opener for the first time nine years. Clemson opened its season at 1-0.
After a scoreless first half, Gamecock junior Mike Sambursky scored the first goal of the match in the first minute of the second half.
Following a Clemson giveaway, Ayo Akinsete took the ball on a breakaway. He launched an initial shot from the top of the 18-yard box that was saved by Clemson goalkeeper Phil Marfuggi. On the deflection, Sambursky collected the rebound and fired a second shot from the 12-yard mark and into the back of the net. Akinsete was credited with the assist. The goal was the sixth of Sambursky’s career.
The Tigers mustered the equalizer with 20 seconds to play in regulation. On a throw-in, the ball was cleared out by USC. It landed at the feet of Clemson’s Havird Usry, who played the ball back in. Jeff Routh put his head on, bouncing it into the lower right corner of the goal to make it 1-1.
South Carolina freshman goalkeeper Mike Gustavson tallied six saves and in his first collegiate start. Marfuggi had three saves for the Tigers.
The match was extremely physical with the two teams combining for 43 fouls (South Carolina 24, Clemson 19) and four yellow cards (South Carolina 3, Clemson 1).
The Gamecocks return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 6, when they host College of Charleston for their home opener. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium.
–USCsports.com–
