Gamecocks down USC Upstate 2-1 in season-opener
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) —
South Carolina opened its 2017 season with a 2-1 victory over USC Upstate on Friday night. A huge crowd of 5,048 fans packed Stone Stadium for the season opener. Sophomore striker Luca Mayr (65′) and true freshman midfielder Petter Soelberg (30′) each tallied goals for the Gamecocks.
The Spartans jumped out of the gates quickly, scoring a goal on a set piece off a corner kick in the second minute of the match. Cam Philpot headed in the corner to the far post from just outside the goal that was played in by Calon Minors. Carolina regrouped after the quick score and controlled the pace and tempo for much of the remainder of the first half.
Luca Mayr and Keegan Kullby each ripped shots from deep in the 18th minute when the Gamecocks began to turn the tide and win the possession battle. Carolina kept pushing the tempo as Mayr unloaded another powerful left-footed strike at the Upstate keeper in the 25th minute.
The Gamecocks finally found pay dirt when Mayr played a ball back to the middle, right of goal before he went out of bounds. That ball was deflected by a diving Santiago Restrepo to freshman Justin Sukow. He then made an easy touch pass to a wide-open Petter Soleberg, who finished for his first career goal, which tied the score 1-1 where it remain until halftime.
Carolina remained on the offensive in the second half, sticking to its game plan and continuing to control possession.
Freshman forward Benjamin Gilligan drew a foul inside the box midway through the second half in the 65th minute. The Gamecocks were awarded a penalty kick. Mayr’s number was called and he ripped a dart past the outstretched arms of Restrepo to put Carolina in front 2-1.
The Spartans had a few chances late, but All-Conference USA goalkeeper William made two big stops in tough situations down the stretch. In the 81st minute, Pyle skied to punch a high-arching shot off a free kick over the goal, preserving the Gamecocks’ lead.
