Sept. 23, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore striker Sam Arthur leads the nation in points per game (2.57) and ranks tied for second in goals per game (1.14), as announced in the NCAA Division I men’s soccer statistics on Tuesday. Additionally, Arthur has been named to the Soccer America Team of the Week, marking his third national team of the week award this week. Arthur tallied two goals, including the game winner to lead South Carolina past intrastate rival College of Charleston last Friday. Arthur has now been selected to the Soccer America, TopDrawerSoccer.com (twice) and CollegeSoccerNews.com respective Teams of the Week this season for his outstanding effort for the Gamecocks.

Arthur collected two goals in the first half against the Cougars, leading the Gamecocks to their third consecutive shutout victory, their first win over a ranked opponent and first road victory of the season. Arthur leads C-USA in nearly every major offensive statistical category, including shots (25), shots per game (3.57), goals (8), points (18) and goals per game (1.14).

The Gamecocks return to non-conference play on Wednesday, traveling to intrastate rival Furman for a 7 p.m. contest.