Sept. 15, 2006
Columbia, S.C. – Annie Galloway’s goal in the 46th minute of play was enough to lift South Carolina to a 1-0 victory over Clemson at Stone Stadium in front of the largest crowd in USC women’s soccer history with 2,823 fans in attendance. Carolina goalkeeper Laura Armstrong finished with three saves to earn her second consecutive shutout as the Gamecocks improved to 5-3 on the season. Clemson is now 4-3 on the year.
“Our kids played their hearts out and deserved this victory against a good Clemson team,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “When you step on the field against Clemson you know its going to be tough match. It’s a rivalry and our kids were very much up to the test and got the job done.”
The attendance of 2,823 was almost 1,000 more fans than the previous record set in the 2002 USC-Clemson match-up.
“What a tremendous support from our fans, a lot of our alumni came back,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “They made a huge difference. I hope they can come out more and see the talent we have and cheer us on against some of the SEC teams we will play later in the year.”
South Carolina controlled most of the match including the last 45 minutes of play finishing with a 12-3 shot advantage including a 7-1 edge in the second half. Carolina has allowed just one goal or less in all eight matches played this year. The back four of Carolina held off the Clemson offense for most of the evening.
“Blakely Mattern has been amazing back there for us,” said Smith. “A freshman playing like she is, it has been outstanding. Kimmy Gillespie and Courtney Cobbs playing back there now, out of the midfield (the last two years) have done a good job. Erin Geldhof and Shannon Bigbie both playing as well back there for us are performing. Their jobs in the back really help us start our attack.”
The attack in the early part of the second half gave USC the only goal of the match. Not more than one minute into the second stanza, Carolina forward Samantha Diaz-Matosas was able to get down to the far right backline and served a ball into the six that was forwarded on by Monica Hogan before Galloway finished the opportunity putting a shot into the back of the net and past Clemson keeper Ashley Phillips. Galloway, who broke her nose last week, played with a protective mask on the entire match.
“It was awesome,” said Annie Galloway. “I was kind of surprised, Monica had a great ball and I just happened to be there on my run, it paid off. That’s how goals happen a lot in soccer. We settled it in the second half and played it through the midfield.”
The last 44 minutes went without either team finding the net. Clemson had a couple of opportunities near the “18” but were only able to get one shot off on Armstrong.
“This was the craziest match I’ve ever played in,” said Blakely Mattern. “We definitely needed this win and to come out on top is great. We were well prepared for how they were going to play and our defense knew that if we could hold them our offense could get us the goal we needed.”
South Carolina returns to action on Sunday at 12 noon facing Jacksonville State at Stone Stadium. Live audio broadcast and live gametracker stats are available at uscsports.com. The match is part of a doubleheader with the men’s squad, who face Davidson at approximately 2 pm.
