In the first three exhibition games of the year, the men’s soccer team has had its ups and downs. With a 3-0 win in which the Gamecocks outshot Gardner-Webb 20-0 in the first game then a 1-1 draw against Winthrop, the Gamecocks came back Sunday night for their final exercise before the real test.
The game started off slow, with a barrage of fouls on both teams. The first chance of the night came from South Carolina freshman Bjorn Gudjonsson after the 14th minute. The shot flew left and clear of danger.
Furman responded with a couple of shots inside the box, one saved by junior goalkeeper Marco Velez and the rebound deflected to safety.
The game slowed down until the 35th minute when the Gamecocks notched a tally on the scoreboard. Senior Devin L’Amoreaux gave junior Kurtis Turner a great pass inside the box for a goal. Senior Wesley Eads also got the assist on the goal.
Furman came out sloppy in the second half. After four straight fouls by the Paladins, midfielder Marco Ortiz got booked for a yellow card. However, Furman caught a break with a South Carolina foul in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty shot. The shot, taken by Marco Carrizales sailed in the back of the net, tying the game.
But the upperclassmen leaders didn’t panic.
In the 76th minute, junior defender Ive Burnett gave Turner another perfect opportunity, and he netted his second goal on the night. Furman came back in full offensive with two quality shots. The Gamecocks held on and survived, winning the game 2-1.
Furman, a Southern Conference team who returned 10 starters, had 11 shots and four shots on target. The South Carolina goalies had to make three saves on the night. The Gamecocks also won the foul battle, drawing 16 on the Furman players while only recording nine fouls.
South Carolina begin their 2015 regular season Friday against Mercer 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium.