Coach Mark Berson happy with way team came from behind
While South Carolina coach Mark Berson may not like how his team has a tendency of getting into a hole, he does like the Gamecocks' ability to come from behind.
Trailing 1-0 early to High Point in the final game of the Gamecock Classic, the Gamecocks scored two quick goals in the second half to get a 2-1 victory.
"It's very good to be able to come from behind. That is a good quality to have as a team," Berson said, "Unfortunately, the way you earn that quality is from being behind, and that's not good. We have to start eliminating that, but this team is never out of any game. They are never out, and they never have been out of any game this year. I'll take that quality over any other quality in a team."
Coming off a 2-0 loss to Brown on Friday, the Gamecocks (2-4-1) went into Sunday's matchup knowing they needed to win to gain confidence and momentum before having to face Wake Forest on Wednesday.
"We put a lot of energy and a lot of commitment into Friday night's game," Berson said. "It was a difficult loss to bounce back from. The fatigue is a big factor, but that's pretty much equal for everybody. I thought our guys did a great job today."
Despite having only one day between games, the Gamecocks were able to make small adjustments before Sunday that ended up paying off.
"We put Mike Mangotic up front, and Mike has been playing in the back for us." Berson said, "He is one of the best athletes on the team and we wanted to try and get a little athleticism up there to sort of shake things up there, and I think Mike did a great job."
The Panthers got on the board in the 11th minute when Karo Okiomah knocked in a long ball from Shawn Sloan, putting the Gamecocks behind early. And while USC had its chances throughout the first half, having five corner kicks and six shots, it was unable to get on the board. But that changed in the second half.
In the 56th minute, Braeden Troyer scored from 15 yards out on a ball that was deflected off a High Point defender. Panther keeper Michael Chesler had already committed to one side and was unable to stop the ball from bouncing in. Trevor Hubbard and Snoopy Davidson got the assist.
"You know Braeden Troyer has been a rock solid steady player for us." Berson said. "He has been one of our best performers in every game this season, so it was not a surprise to see him score. It was a great thrill to see him score, and I am really proud for him, and proud to see him get his first goal here at Carolina, and it was at a good time. He has been playing really well."
Just two minutes later, Mangotic was fouled in the penalty area, allowing Stephen Morrissey to score on the penalty kick. Once the Gamecocks got the 2-1 lead, they were able to keep the High Point offensive attack from evening the score, securing just their second win of the season.
"It's a good group," Berson said. "They worked hard. Our record is not what we'd like it to be at this point, but we're going to push on."