COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina menS soccer team continues its three-match homestand Wednesday, hosting Charlotte at Stone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Gamecocks are looking to build on a strong start to the season, having begun with back-to-back road victories – a feat only accomplished once before, in 1995. Key to their early success has been the offensive contributions of Mika Habel adn Andrew Goldsworthy,both of whom scored their first career goals in the recent win over the College of Charleston. Freshman Matthew DeJianne has also made an immediate impact, recording assists in his first two collegiate matches, both on goals by Habel.
Carolina was predicted to finish fifth in the Sun Belt conference by the league’s coaches. Leading the way are preseason All-Sun Belt Team selections Ethan Ballek, Alexander Stjernegaard, and Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez. Ballek also earned recognition on the United Soccer Coaches Forwards to Watch List, while Stjernegaard was named to the USC Midfielders to Watch List.
The team features a blend of experience and new talent,returning eight starters from last season and welcoming 13 newcomers,including nine transfers and four true freshmen. The squad also anticipates the full return of Mika Habel and Junior Saint Juste, who were limited by injury last year.
Fans can follow the Gamecocks throughout the season at GamecocksOnline.com and on social media via Twitter (@GamecockMSoccer), Facebook (/GamecockMSoccer), and Instagram (@GamecockMSoccer).
