Gamecock Men's Soccer Closes Homestand Against Mercer

COLUMBIA– The South Carolina men’s soccer team concludes its homestand with a match against Mercer at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night at Stone Stadium.

It’s the first $2 Tuesday of the year. Fans can get into Tuesday night’s match for $2.

GAMECOCK NOTABLES

The Gamecocks are coming off a Friday night defeat against USC Upstate when they lost to the Spartans 1-0.

Carolina saw a plethora of chances, but couldn’t convert against the Spartans. The Gamecocks outshot USC Upstate 13-5 on Friday night.

The lone goal Carolina surrendered Friday night was on a corner kick. The goal was one of USC Upstate’s two shots on goal the entire match.

Five Gamecocks fired in at least two shots against USC Upstate. Christian Kraus had three shots, all of which came on goal. Logan Frost, Justin Kopay, Parker League and Andrew Halloran all had two shots apiece on Friday night.

The Gamecocks are tied for seventh in the country in corner kicks per game. Carolina is averaging 7.67 corner kicks through six matches.

The Gamecocks own a 12-1-0 series advantage against Mercer. The last time they squared off was last fall on Oct. 9 and the Gamecocks won 1-0.

SCOUTING THE BEARS

Mercer is heading into Tuesday’s match off the heels of a 1-0 victory against Furman on Saturday.

The Bears have recorded victories against Gardner-Webb (a future Gamecock opponent), Florida Gulf Coast and Furman.

Mercer is a top-five team in the country when it comes to putting their shots on net. The Bears put 60 percent of their shots on goal, which is the fourth-best clip in the country.

Mercer is also fourth in the country in fouls per game, committing 7.83 fouls per match.

SERIES HISTORY
Series Record: South Carolina leads 12-1-0
Last Meeting: 10/9/2020
Last South Carolina Win: 10/9/2020, 1-0
Last Mercer Win: 8/30/2016, 3-2 (2OT)
Last Tie: Never

QUOTABLES – Post-USC Upstate
Head Coach Tony Annan on …
… his message to the team:
“That I was pleased with their effort and the way they played. I’m disappointed we lost 1-0 on a set piece. That was probably their only chance really. It’s disappointing, but I’m proud of the way they played and the way they worked. I saw progress, but not for long enough.”

… balancing results with visible improvement:
“You’ve got to worry less about the result when you are changing to a new system and the way people train and play. Results need to take a second seat to progress and it’s not easy. It’s not an easy process. If we’re going to focus on results, we’re going to hold ourselves back.”

… what he has seen that has impressed him:
“I’m pleased with the style of play we’re trying to play. We’re playing with very good possession. We’re a little sloppy once we get into the final third and I’d like to see that improve. Coming out of the back and playing through the thirds has been good.”