The South Carolina men’s soccer team achieved a 4-0 victory against USC Upstate in its home opener on Monday, August 24, in Columbia. This win brings the Gamecocks’ season record to 2-0, while USC Upstate stands at 0-2. The match at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium drew an attendance of 5,489, marking the ninth-largest crowd in the men’s program history for the venue.
Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez initiated the scoring for South Carolina in the 38th minute, converting an assist from Angel Lopez. This marked Velazquez-Lopez’s first goal of the season. Just before halftime, Velazquez-Lopez secured his second goal of the night by successfully converting a penalty kick, following a foul on an Upstate defender inside the box, which also resulted in the defender’s ejection. This gave Carolina a 2-0 lead at the break.
The Gamecocks extended their lead quickly in the second half, scoring just 15 seconds after play resumed. Loïc Sany Kong found the back of the net, marking his third goal of the season, with an assist from Mika Habel, who received a quick pass from Hugo Febles. Habel then added a goal of his own in the 54th minute, firing into the top right corner after receiving a cross from Febles.
This four-goal performance is South Carolina’s second consecutive match scoring at least four goals, following a 4-1 victory against North Florida to open the season. Defensively, the Gamecocks limited USC Upstate to two shots, neither of which were on target. South Carolina recorded 19 shots, with six on goal, and led 5-3 in corner kicks.
The Gamecocks are scheduled to host the Palmetto Series on August 28 at 7 p.m. against #16 Clemson at Stone Stadium.
