Gamecocks Drop Home Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s soccer team (1-2) fell to USC Upstate (1-1-1) 2-1 in the home opener on Friday night (Aug. 29).

The Spartans got on the board first with a goal in the 11th minute.

South Carolina came out of the locker room with a renewed energy, keeping the ball in the Spartan’s half and firing off shots. The equalizer came in the 77th minute when senior Ethan Ballek received a pass from junior Jonah Biggar towards the left corner. Ballek slotted it in from outside the six-yard box. It was his first goal of the season.

USC Upstate regained the lead by converting on a penalty kick in the 78th minute. Carolina put up four shots in the final 10 minutes, two of which came on target, but the Gamecocks were unable to find the equalizer.

Ballek finished with a season-high six shots. Tyler Trimnal attempted five. South Carolina out-shot Upstate 18-to-3 in the second half.

The Gamecocks remain home to host FIU on Tuesday 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.