Aug. 27, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to Furman in an exhibition match Friday night at Stone Stadium.

“This was our first chance to go against another opponent and the match was very beneficial,” head coach Mike Berson said. “We played quite a few players and got a chance to learn more about our team. Generally you see the most improvement in a team in the period after your first couple of contests. We have a lot to do in a short period of time, but our players have a great attitude. I know they are ready to get to work.”

The Gamecocks scored early with Tyler Ruthven heading a corner kick by Jeff Scannella in the 10th minute to take the 1-0 lead. The Paladins tied the game before heading into the end of the half.

Furman got the upper hand early in the second half, scoring off a set piece in the 54th minute to take the lead. Carolina’s Kevan Hawkins tied the game at 74:40 with a header from Schuyler Reardon’s throw-in, but the Paladins responded four minutes letter with the deciding goal.

The Gamecocks open their regular season on Friday, Aug. 31, at Clemson. Match time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Riggs Field on the CU campus.

South Carolina Starters: Tyler Ruthven, Mark Wiltse, Cory Lewis, Sam Arthur, Jeff Scannella, Blake Brettschneider, Mario Burnstein, Josh Stewart, Will Traynor, Evan O’Dell, Jimmy Maurer (GK).

Substitutions: Spencer Lewis, J.D. Moon, David Smith, Kevan Hawkins, Schuyler Reardon, Mike Lindsay.

Shots: FU 7, SC 4
Corner Kicks: FU 6, SC 4
Saves: SC 2, FU 0
Fouls: SC 15, FU 11