Habel’s Goal in Final Minutes Gives Carolina Road Win

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Mika Habel’s goal in the 84th minute lifted the South Carolina men’s soccer team (7-3-1, 1-0-1) to a 1-0 win over James Madison (1-6-1, 0-2) Sunday night (Sept. 28) in Sun Belt Conference play.

The South Carolina offense and defense were dominant on the night, out-shooting the Dukes 14-to-3 overall and 6-to-1 in shots on goal. The Gamecocks also led 8-to-3 in corner kicks.

JMU’s lone shot on goal came in the 7th minute that Carolina keeper Filip Versterre made easy work of.

The Gamecocks finished the first half with two shots on goal, both of which came less than 10 seconds apart in the 25th minute by Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez and Alexander Stjernegaard.

South Carolina attempted nine shots in the second half, but Habel had the one that mattered most. Keanan Bader made a touch pass to Tyler Trimnal at the top-center of the 18-yard box. Trimnal turned and passed to the right wing where Habel was waiting, unmarked. From the top right corner of the 18-yard box, Habel fired a high, arching shot that just skimmed over the JMU goalie’s hands and into the far post. The goal was Habel’s third of the season.

The match nearly ended in with a penalty, as the officials went to VAR to determine if a hand ball was committed as time expired. After the review, the call was waved off, allowing the Gamecocks to celebrate the victory.

South Carolina returns home for two matches, beginning with UCF on October 4 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.