JU Men's Soccer Fall 1-0 to South Carolina
COLUMBIA, SC (www.jaxsportsday.com) - Jacksonville Men's soccer fall 1-0 against SEC South Carolina on Tuesday night.
The, 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. 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.