Nov. 4, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team played their final road match of the regular season Sunday, drawing a 0-0, double-overtime draw against Conference USA opponent Central Florida. Carolina’s overall record stands at 9-5-2, 3-2-2 C-USA, while UCF owns a 4-11-2 overall mark, including a 0-5-2 league record. The Gamecocks managed a season high 32 shots in the match, including 10 shots on goal. Freshman forward Blake Brettschneider and sophomore midfielder Jeff Scannella each contributed five shots, while freshman goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer collected four saves in his fifth shutout of the season for Carolina.
“Our team defended very well throughout the game, and I thought that we did a good job creating some excellent chances this afternoon but we were unable to finish,” South Carolina head coach Mark Berson said. “Credit UCF, as they battled hard for 110 minutes and nothing was easy out there today. Our challenge now is to get ready for Kentucky on Friday night, which we know will be a big test. It’s the last home game for our seniors and we want to do everything possible to send them out on a good note.”
Carolina dominated the match from an offensive standpoint, posting 32 shots against 17 by the Knights offense. Brettschneider’s three shots on goal were a team high, while junior midfielder David Smith added two shots on net. Forward Schuyler Reardon (2) and defenders Mario Burstein (1), Tyler Ruthven (1), Will Traynor (2) and Mark Wiltse (2) also attempts shots on goal in the contest.
Gamecock goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer collected four saves in his fifth shutout of the season, while UCF counterpart Sean Johnson managed 10 saves. Ryan Roushandel paced the Knights’ offense with four shots in the draw.
The Gamecocks out-shot the Knights in every period, including an 8-3 margin in the second overtime session. Both teams had numerous chances inside their respective offensive 18-yard boxes, but each defensive unit managed the shutout in the match.
The game proved a physical contest, as UCF tallied 24 fouls against 17 by the Gamecocks. The Knights also drew five yellow cards, while Carolina had one player with a yellow-card foul.
The Gamecocks conclude their regular season on Friday, hosting the Kentucky Wildcats at Stone Stadium at 7 p.m. The match will also serve as Senior Day for USC’s six seniors.
