Sept. 2, 2006
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Preseason Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year Mike Sambursky scored the game-winning goal and the South Carolina defense collected its second straight shutout to give No. 24 Gamecocks a 1-0 victory over William and Mary Saturday night at Albert-Daly Field in Williamsburg.
The Gamecocks improved to 2-1-0 while William and Mary slipped to 1-3-0.
Sambursky, a senior co-captain, put Carolina on top with his first goal of the season in the 12th minute. Sophomore David Smith eluded a pair of Tribe defenders on the right-side of the endline and crossed the ball to a waiting Sambursky on the near post. Sambursky beat the goalkeeper, kicking the ball into the lower right side of the net.
Sophomore goalkeeper Mike Gustavson, a preseason all-Conference USA selection, picked up four saves en route to the shutout. It was the second straight clean sheet for Carolina and the sixth of Gustavson’s young career.
William and Mary finished with 11 shots while South Carolina had 10. The Tribe attempted four corner kicks and the Gamecocks had three in contest.
In the 22nd minute, William & Mary was awarded a free kick 25 yards out from the goal. Pat Scherder booted the ball to the goal, but Gustavson was there to make the save.
In the 39th minute, the Gamecocks produced another scoring opportunity. Cory Lewis hit a short cross to Makan Hislop, who was positioned 12 yards out in front of the goal. Hislop launched a shot at the goal, but it was picked up by Tribe goalie Brennan Wergley.
South Carolina defender Ryan Leeton was called for a yellow card in the 53rd minute after a foul just outside the 18-yard box. The Tribe’s Price Thomas attempted the ensuing free kick and Gustavson punched the ball out for the save.
Senior Rob Charest had a shot attempt saved in the 68th minute.
At the 78:00 mark, Carolina sophomore Spencer Lewis drilled a shot from 20 yards out, but Wergley came up with a big stop to keep the deficit at one goal. The Gamecocks kept the pressure on with consecutive corner kicks. In the 86th minute, Sambursky rifled a shot from 20 yards out that sailed just wide of the right post.
Gustavson picked off another shot by Thomas in the 81st minute.
The Gamecocks will play three games at home next week. Carolina returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 5, when Centenary College visits Columbia for a 7 p.m. match. The Gamecocks will host the adidas/Gamecock Classic next weekend with games on Friday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 10.
