Gamecocks Win Fourth-Straight 3-1 Over Georgia State
Sept. 24, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. The South Carolina men’s soccer team (5-3-0) tallied its fourth-straight win Saturday night at Stone Stadium after downing Georgia State (5-4-0), 3-1. The Gamecocks took the lead in the 22nd minute after a goal by senior Koty Millard and remained ahead the remainder of the match.
Millard’s goal, assisted by senior Kurtis Turner, was his first of the season. He cutback on his defender and fired a beautiful left-footed shot from 25 yards out that found the back of the net on the far post.
Carolina would have several more chances in the first half recording six more shots, including two on goal. Senior Danny Deakin had a great chance on a long pass across the box by senior Kevin Walker, but he mishit his shot slightly and missed high.
Freshman Luca Mayr put the Gamecocks comfortably ahead in the 50th minute, scoring his third goal of the season from eight-yards out. It was Turner again that had the feed on the score, tallying his second assist of the match.
Sophomore Ben Davidson got in on the scoring in the 65th minute when he was able to score off a deflection from a shot on goal by Deakin. It was Davidson’s first goal of the season and Deakin’s third assist this year.
For the third straight match, the Gamecock defense was locked in nearly pitching its third-straight shutout.
A late lapse would lead to a Georgia Southern score with eight seconds remaining in the game after the Gamecocks were unable to clear a late corner kick by the Panthers.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Mark Berson on team finishing offensive attacks: “I think the finishing is a product of the buildup, the rhythm and the chances. All along, I think we’ve been pretty good on our buildup. We’ve been pretty good on our chances. Tonight we created more chances and we were a little bit better in our rhythm. It all kind of comes together, and I thought tonight that was a good example. We’re glad to see the goals starting to come. I think some of our players are getting a little bit more on their rhythm.”
GAMECHANGER
Freshman Luca Mayr’s goal in the 50th minute proved to be the game-winner in the end for the Gamecocks. Mayr faked a pass and slipped the ball past the Georgia State keeper to the far post for the score.
KEY STAT
South Carolina out-shot Georgia State 17-6 in the match, posting a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
NOTABLE
- Freshman striker Luca Mayr tallied his third goal of the season and first career game-winning goal. He leads the team in shots on goal with 15.
- Senior midfielder Danny Deakin leads the team in points with nine (3G, 3A) after recording his third assist of the season tonight.
- Junior goalkeeper William Pyle nearly posted his third-straight shutout. He’s now 5-1 on the year with 19 saves.
- In the last two games, South Carolina has tallied six goals.
- Deakin and Mayr are tied for the team lead in shots with 26.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks remain at home as they take on High Point (5-2-1) on Wednesday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium.
