Gamecocks host archrival Clemson in soccer season opener
By University of South Carolina Media RelationsThursday, August 28, 2008COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team is set to begin its 31st season of competition on Friday when it hosts archrival Clemson at Stone Stadium.
The Gamecocks and Tigers will kick off at 7 p.m. The match is the season opener for both schools and will mark the 35th meeting between the two rivals, where Clemson holds a 22-12-1 all-time advantage. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the first 250 fans in attendance will receive a FREE “Beat Clemson” T-shirt.
Fans planning to attend the South Carolina men’s soccer match against Clemson on Friday, Aug. 29, at Stone Stadium can purchase advanced tickets as part of The Gamecock Power Package via the official website of Carolina Athletics, www.GamecocksOnline.com (ticket office link).
Fans will receive a ticket for the Clemson game as well as the home match against Florida International (Oct. 4) for $10. Tickets for ONLY the Clemson game can be purchased at the gate for $5 for adults and $3 for youths (age 18 and under). In addition, family packages (two adults, two youths) can be purchased for $12, while Carolina students, faculty and staff will receive free admission with their South Carolina ID card.
THIS WEEK
The South Carolina men’s soccer team begins its 31st season of competition when it hosts archrival Clemson in its home and season opener on Friday at 7 p.m.
SERIES INFORMATION
Clemson leads the all-time series between the two intrastate rivals, 22-12-1. The Gamecocks and Tigers have met on the pitch at least one time every season since the 1978 campaign, including five times in the NCAA Tournament.
EXHIBITION PERFECTION
The Gamecocks played two exhibitions prior to tonight’s season opener with Clemson, defeating Winthrop 1-0 on Aug. 18, and NC State 3-0 on Aug. 23.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and junior Sean Nguyen combined for two shutouts, collecting six and one save, respectively.
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Carolina was picked to finish third in the league by the Conference USA coaches, while sophomore goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and junior midfielder Jeff Scannella were each selected to the 11-man Preseason All-Conference Team earlier this month. Defending champion Tulsa was selected as the preseason favorite to be the Conference USA Men’s Soccer Champion in 2008. SMU was picked to finish second in the league, followed by Carolina, Kentucky fourth and Memphis fifth.
