Gamecocks Fall to Gardner-Webb in Home Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team (0-1-1) dropped its home opener Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27) 2-0 to Gardner-Webb (2-0).

For the match, the Gamecocks held a 12-to-10 advantage in shots, but the Bulldogs had the 6-to-3 advantage in shots on goals. Carolina also had a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks taken. South Carolina goalkeeper Ben Alexander finished with three saves. Mika Habel led the way with three shots in the match, while Ethan Dekel Daks and Damola Salami each had two.

The Gamecock defense came up with a team save in the 8th minute, but were unable to keep the momentum going as the Bulldogs scored less than a minute later off a set piece on a corner kick.

Habel put the first shot on target for the Gamecocks in the 30th minute, however it was turned away by the Gardner-Webb goalie.

Carolina came out of halftime looking to find the equalizer, putting up a pair of shots in the first 10 minutes. A minute later, the Gamecocks were called for a foul just inside the box, giving the Bulldogs a penalty kick opportunity. They would convert on the ensuing kick, extending the lead.

South Carolina had a pair of chances to find the back of the net in the 82nd minute by Jordan Illian and the 89th minute by Salami, but were unable to convert before the final buzzer.

The Gamecocks turn their attention to the SC Education Lottery Palmetto Series, when they travel to the Upstate to take on the 9th ranked Tigers September 1 at 7 p.m.

For the latest on men’s soccer, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockMSoccer, Facebook /GamecockMSoccer, and Instagram @GamecockMSoccer.