Men's Soccer . September 9, 2016

Gamecocks Suffer Loss At Coastal Carolina

Game #1

Sept. 9, 2016

19′Martin Melchor (CCU)

CONWAY, S.C. — South Carolina (1-3-0) fell 1-0 to Coastal Carolina (1-2-1) this evening in its first true road match of the season. The Gamecocks were on the attack for much of the second half, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

The Chanticleers were aggressive with their transition offense in the first half, firing 12 shots, including seven on goal. Gamecock goalkeeper William Pyle was locked in, recording six first-half saves to keep Carolina within striking distance.

In the 19th minute, Martin Melchor found the back of the net for Costal on a pass via header from teammate Frantzdy Pierott. Pierott finished the game with four shots on goal, all in the first half.

The Gamecocks best scoring chance in the first half came when senior Koty Millard was able to bend a pass around a defender to senior Danny Deakin who was breaking wide ahead. Deakin fired a shot but was unable to capitalize on the scoring chance.

In the second half, Carolina was clicking offensively, controlling the ball and the pace of the match for the remainder of the game. The Gamecocks got seven shots off, including four on goal.

Carolina had a great transition chance in the 57th minute when freshman Luca Mayr broke away from the Coastal defense near the left side of midfield. He served up a great ball to Deakin who in turn fired a text book pass to Christoffer Wallander Ianev on the right side of the box who fired a hard shot that was blocked.

The Gamecocks had a free kick and a corner in the 88th minute but were unable to capitalize on the late scoring chances, ultimately falling 1-0 in the match.

QUOTABLE

Head Coach Mark Berson on team’s strong second half performance: “Tonight’s game was a classic tale of two halves. Coastal had the better of it in the first half and got a goal. Our guys adjusted at halftime and we got back on our game and got our rhythm back. We created enough good chances to not only tie but win the game — but we couldn’t finish them. It’s disappointing but we can learn a lot from this match and there were a lot of positives.”

GAMECHANGER

Martin Melchor’s goal in the first 20 minutes proved the difference in the match.

KEY STAT

Coastal Carolina outshot South Carolina 15-9, including a 9-4 advantage in shots in goals.

NOTABLE