Sept. 15, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore striker Sam Arthur has been honored nationally as the TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Week, while goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer has been named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by both institutions on Monday. The duo led Carolina to the 2008 adidas Gamecock Classic title, as Arthur tallied two goals against both Lehigh and Jacksonville, earning tournament Offensive MVP honors. Maurer was just as impressive, collecting two shutout victories in net to earn All-Tournament Team accolades.

Arthur tallied four of South Carolina’s five goals on the weekend, collecting two goals in each game of the tournament, including netting both game winners. Arthur now leads the Gamecocks with six goals and two assists on the season. The national honor is the first of his career.

Maurer played a flawless weekend in net for Carolina. He collected four saves to earn his second shutout of the season against Lehigh and followed with five saves, including a crucial save late in the Jacksonville match to secure his third shutout of the year and eighth of his Gamecock career. The award marks Maurer’s second of the season and third such honor of his career.

South Carolina continues non-conference play when it travels to in-state rival College of Charleston on Friday, Sept. 19, in a match slated to begin at 7 p.m. in Charleston.