April 27, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Former Gamecock Asa Kryst earned a contract with the USL’s Charlotte Independence for the upcoming season, becoming the 62nd Gamecock to move onto professional soccer.

The Fort Mill, S.C., native played over 3,000 minutes in his career for the Gamecocks. He scored three game-winners during his time, including one in South Carolina’s road win at UAB in 2015. He helped the Gamecocks to the 2015 NCAA Tournament, starting 14 matches during his fifth and final year in the Garnet and Black.

“Asa was an outstanding multi-sport athlete out of high school at Fort Mill,” remarked Gamecock head coach Mark Berson. “When he came to us, he turned his focus solely to soccer and developed his game here to be able to move on to the professional level. We look forward to following his career.”

Off the field, Kryst was a five-time Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll member as well as making the Southeastern Conference’s Academic Honor Roll on five occasions.

Kryst joins former classmate Braeden Troyer on the USL circuit. Of note, South Carolina ranks as one of two collegiate programs to have a player on the US Men’s National Team in the last four World Cups (2002-14).

The Gamecocks made their 21st NCAA Tournament in 2015, advancing into the second round.