Gamecocks Fall to No. 1 West Virginia In Final Minute

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team (7-3-2, 2-3-0) went on the road and pushed No. 1 West Virginia (9-1-3, 4-0-1) to the limit, but the Gamecocks fell in the final minute 1-0 Saturday afternoon (Oct. 19).

Carolina goalie Filip Versterre and the Gamecock defense limited the top-ranked Mountaineers to three shots on goal on the afternoon, as Versterre finishing with two saves. West Virginia led the offensive categories on the day, 20-4 in shots, 3-2 in shots on goal, and 8-1 in corner kicks.

It was a defensive battle through the first 88:15 of the match, as both sides had only one shot on goal. The Carolina defensive backline held strong on the afternoon, coming up big, blocking several shots and earning multiple key stops.

The Mountaineers broke the scoreless tie with 1:45 to play on a header from inside the box.

Carolina had one final opportunity with 41 seconds to go, but Gabriel Atienza’s free kick was saved by the WVU goalie.

It was the second time this season South Carolina played the No. 1 team in the country, having faced then-No. 1 Clemson August 30. It marks the first time in program history they have played the top-ranked team twice in the same season.

The Gamecocks return home to host James Madison October 23 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.