Gamecocks suffer late, 2-1, loss at New Mexico
Lobos scored the game-winner in the 86th minute
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — South Carolina (3-8-0, 0-5-0 C-USA) dropped a 2-1 decision on the road Saturday night at conference foe New Mexico (4-9-0, 2-3-0 C-USA). The match was tied 1-1 late, but the Lobos were able to score the eventual game-winner on a set piece in the 86th minute.
“I’m really proud of the way our guys fought tonight,” said head coach Mark Berson. “It’s difficult to come out on the losing end. We scored a goal in the first half and we were a half-step offsides. After they scored, we came roaring back to tie it. After they scored again we had four great chances to equalize. Their goal keeper made two outstanding saves, and that was the difference in the match. Our guys never tired, never slowed, never looked back. Now we have a very quick turnaround before we play again at home on Tuesday night against Wake Forest.
The Gamecocks had a quality look shortly after the go-ahead goal by New Mexico, but sophomore Petter Soelberg’s shot from inside the 18 in the 87th minute was stopped after a full-extension save by Ford Parker.
Soelberg tied the game in the 74th minute after Aidan O’Brien slipped a pass to him inside the top of the 18 in the middle of the field. Soelberg booted it home far post for his second goal of the season. The assist marked O’Brien’s first points of the year.
New Mexico, who outshot Carolina 8-3 in the first 45 minutes, led 1-0 at halftime after a goal from close range in the 28th minute.
Soelberg finished the game with a team-high three shots, all of which were on goal.
The Gamecocks welcome in No. 2 Wake Forest (13-1-0, 5-1-0 ACC) to Stone Stadium on Tuesday night for a non-conference, midweek battle. It’s Gamecock Club Appreciation Night as all Gamecock Club and Junior Gamecock Club members receive free admission by showing their Gamecock Club membership card or wearing their Junior Gamecock Club t-shirt. Students also get double rewards points for attending the match.
