No. 13 Men’s Soccer Earns Top-15 Victory, Improve to 5-0

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 13th ranked South Carolina men’s soccer team (5-0) defeated No. 14 High Point (2-2-1) 2-0 at Stone Stadium Monday night (Sept. 7).

The Gamecocks improve to 5-0 on the season, their best start since a 7-0 record to begin the 2003 season. It’s the third straight ranked win for Carolina, the first time since 2010.

South Carolina’s Matt Vigor gave them the early lead, scoring in the 4th minute. The goal came through strong teamwork as Daniel Lang played the ball into the 8-yard box. Angel Lopez quickly headed it on, and Vigor converted the opportunity into the bottom left corner. It was Vigor’s first goal his collegiate career.

The rest of the half went scoreless, but South Carolina’s offense continued to pressure the Panthers. The Gamecocks finished the first half with 10 shot attempts, with four coming on target.

With nine seconds left in the half, High Point put its lone shot on goal, but Gamecock goalkeeper Noah Scheidweiler made the stop.

In the 53rd minute, South Carolina’s Hugo Febles had a breakaway opportunity, but he was taken down by a High Point defender. After review, the Panther defender received a red card, and the Gamecocks played with a man-advantage for the remainder of the match.

Carolina took quick advantage of the opportunity. In the 55th minute, Mika Habel lined up for a corner kick from the left side. His ball hit the top right post before bouncing off and found the back of the net. The goal was Habel’s second of the season.

On the night, South Carolina led 17-to-4 in total shots and 6-to-1 in shots on goal, while HPU led 9-to-8  in corner kicks.

The Gamecocks continue their homestands September 11 at 7 pm to take on UNCG.