May 16, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C – Former University of South Carolina soccer players Ralph Pace and Josh Alcala have signed professional contracts with teams from the United Soccer Leagues Second Division. Pace is a member of the Richmond Kickers while Alcala has joined Crystal Palace USA – Baltimore.

Pace was a second-team All-Conference USA selection in 2006, notching one goal and three assists for five points his senior season. He joined the Gamecocks program in 2005 after spending two seasons at UMass, Pace started all 21 matches his junior year at Carolina. In two seasons at UMass, the 6’2″ defender tallied four goals and eight assists for 16 points, finishing his sophomore season third on the team in scoring (3g, 4a, 10p). He is a former member of the Kickers youth organization.

Alcala, a midfielder, concluded his Gamecock career in 2005. A four-year starter, he was South Carolina’s second-leading scorer with seven goals and a team-best nine assists as a senior. In addition to helping the team win the 2005 Conference USA Championship, Alcala was a first-team All-Conference USA selection and a member of the All-South Region third team.