Oct. 14, 2005
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team shut out Kentucky, 1-0, Friday night in a Conference USA match at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium in Columbia. Senior forward Josh Alcala scored the game-winning goal in the 68th minute of play to extend the Gamecocks’ unbeaten streak to seven games.
USC is now 6-5-1 on the season and 3-0-1 in Conference USA play, while the Wildcats slipped to 4-5-4 overall and 1-3-1 in league action.
“I’m very proud of the team tonight,” USC head coach Mark Berson said. “Kentucky is a organized and physical team that doesn’t give you an inch all over the field. To get a win by shutout in conference is a fine accomplishment. I’m very proud of our effort.”
In what was a physical, defense-dominated battle, Alcala broke the stalemate with his third goal of the year at the 67:30 mark. Junior forward Mike Sambursky set up the score by dribbling the ball along the end line and dishing it off to Alcala inside the six-yard box on the near post. Alcala’s first offering was knocked wide, but his second try fell into the back of the net. Both Alcala and Sambursky have scored 12 points to tie for the team lead.
USC freshman goalkeeper Mike Gustavson came up with a big save late in the match to preserve his first shutout of the season. The Aiken, S.C., native made four saves on the night.
Carolina led Kentucky in the shots category, 9-8, and both teams attempted four corner kicks. The Wildcats had 21 fouls to the Gamecocks’ 19.
South Carolina is back in action on Sunday, Oct. 16, when Marshall visits Columbia and Stone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
