Trimnal and Ballek Rally Gamecocks Past FIU

COLUMBIA, S.C – The South Carolina men’s soccer team (2-2) trailed twice but fought back to earn a 3-2 win against FIU (1-2-1) Tuesday night (Sep. 2) at Stone Stadium.

On the night, FIU led 13-to-8 in shots and 7-to-2 in corner kicks. Carolina led the match in shots on goal 5-4. Filip Versterre finished the night with two saves in goal for the Gamecocks.

The Panthers struck first with a goal in the 18th minute, taking only three shots in the first half rivaling Carolina’s two.

Both teams came back more aggressive in the second half, with FIU attempting 10 shots paired with the Gamecock’s six. South Carolina senior Tyler Trimnal tied it up in the 48th minute with the assist from senior Ethan Ballek. Ballek’s pass deflected off an FIU defender and found the foot of Trimnal, who was there right in front of the goal to bury it home for his first of the season.

The Panthers regained the lead in the 70th minute, which Ballek quickly brought back together with an unassisted goal five minutes later. Alexander Stjernegaard put a free kick into the box that the FIU goalie knocked down, but Ballek was right there to grab the loose ball, make a quick turn, and fired off the shot into the open net.

The duo of Trimnal and Ballek solidified the win for South Carolina in the 82nd minute. Ballek attempted a sliding shot that deflected of the Panthers keeper, right to Trimnal again who was there to score the loose ball.

It was Ballek’s first multi-assist match of his career. For Trimnal, it was the second brace of his career.

The Gamecocks continue their homestead Friday against Charlotte 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.