Charleston, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina men’s soccer team kicked off their season with a 3-2 win against the College of Charleston at Patriots Point. This marks their first road victory to start a season since 2007. In an action-packed match, the teams exchanged goals in the final minutes, highlighting South Carolina’s resilience and offensive capability. With strong contributions from several players, including a first career goal from Andrew Goldsworthy, the Gamecocks are looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against Clemson.
Charleston
The South Carolina men’s soccer team opened their season with a thrilling 3-2 victory against the College of Charleston at Patriots Point. This marks the Gamecocks’ first road win to start a season since 2007, setting a positive tone for the remainder of their campaign.
As the match progressed, five goals were scored in a frantic final 20 minutes, underscoring the high stakes for both teams. South Carolina’s performance demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive resolve, ultimately out-shooting their opponents 15-14 overall, and holding a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.
In the early stages of the match, South Carolina established dominance by out-shooting College of Charleston 8-3 in the first half, yet managed to record only a single shot on target. Loïc Sony Kong almost struck first with a free kick from the edge of the 18-yard box, but his effort was saved by the College of Charleston goalkeeper. The match remained even until the second half, where a pivotal moment occurred in the 58th minute. Ted Cargill made a crucial defensive kick save after a corner kick, keeping the scoreboard level.
In the 71st minute, South Carolina broke the deadlock when Andrew Goldsworthy scored his first career goal with a header from a pass by Samy Kolby. Just five minutes later, the Cougars responded, equalizing the match and rejuvenating their hopes. However, South Carolina quickly regained the lead with Mika Habel scoring his first career goal just 26 seconds after Charleston’s equalizer, showcasing their ability to respond under pressure.
As the clock wound down, Alexander Stjernegaard scored his first goal as a Gamecock in the 84th minute from a free kick. In a swift retaliation, Charleston managed to pull back another goal less than two minutes later, further intensifying the contest in the closing stages. However, the South Carolina defense held strong, allowing no further shots in the final four minutes of play, securing the hard-fought victory.
Season Overview
This game was particularly significant for the Gamecocks, as it marked only the 10th time in the 48-year history of their program that they opened a season on the road. The early momentum is critical, and the team will look to build on this success as they prepare to face their next challenger, Clemson, on August 26 in the annual Palmetto Series, scheduled for 7 p.m..
Women’s Soccer Success
In addition to the men’s team victory, the South Carolina women’s soccer team also achieved a strong start to the season, winning 1-0 against No. 25 Ohio State. This triumph reflects a broad success for South Carolina soccer programs during the opening week of competition.
Key Match Stats
| Stat | South Carolina | College of Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 15 | 14 |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the match between South Carolina and College of Charleston?
The final score was 3-2 in favor of South Carolina.
When will South Carolina’s next men’s soccer match take place?
The next match is scheduled for August 26 against Clemson at 7 p.m.
How many goals did South Carolina score in the final 20 minutes of the match?
South Carolina scored two goals in the last 20 minutes of the match.
Who scored the first career goal for South Carolina in this match?
Andrew Goldsworthy scored his first career goal during the match.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Men’s Soccer Season Kickoff
- Google Search: South Carolina Men’s Soccer 2025
- Gamecocks Online: Season Opening Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Soccer
- 247Sports: Women’s Soccer Season Opener
- Google News: South Carolina Soccer News
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