COLUMBIA, SC – Jacksonville Men's soccer fall 1-0 against SEC South Carolina on Tuesday night
HOW IT HAPPENED
Tonight's match, which marked the beginning of breast cancer awareness, ultimately ended with the Gamecocks holding onto an early 1-0 lead. However, Jacksonville did not accept defeat without giving USC a good match. In the previous 2019 matchup held in Columbia, SC, the Dolphins emerged victorious over USC, winning 3-2. Both the Dolphins and Gamecocks were seeking their third win of the season. USC, with 12 overall wins, found a way to score early in the 18th minute when USC forward Adam Luckhurst opened the match with a goal in the left corner.
After USC's goal, the Dolphins made several solid runs that resulted in five shots on goal out of their total of ten attempts. The Gamecocks started the evening strong, which motivated the Dolphins to respond appropriately and improve their play throughout the match. The Dolphins were led by Cason Wood and Michael Mancuso, who came close to tying the game in the first half. There were many more key breakaways for the Dolphins that unfortunately were ruled offsides.
The second half witnessed a much more aggressive Dolphin team, launching several attacks from the Gamecocks' 18-yard box. Taurayi Tugwete nearly evened the score after a flashing Carson Wood sent a bending cross towards the right post. Unfortunately, Tugwete's header attempt missed to the right, leaving the Gamecock defense stunned. Although JU couldn't convert, they managed to keep USC from scoring in the second half, demonstrating a high level of defensive prowess. Other notable scoring attempts came from midfielder Jeppe Jordoson, Cao Chaves, and forward David Robinson.
WHAT THEY SAID
"We were off the pace in the first 25 minutes, "Says head coach Ali Simmons. "However, we still looked dangerous in transition at times, but we had a few too many silly offsides that stunted our attacks. In the second half, we performed better, and I felt like the goal was coming. Our attention now turns to Saturday for a home conference game against a strong Central Arkansas team. We should be getting a few players back and are excited to play at Southern Oak again".
ADDITIONAL NOTES
UP NEXT
The Dolphins will return to conference play this Saturday, October 7 in a home appearance against Central Arkansas. The match will begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
