Friday, September 7, 2001

Gamecocks to test Frogs
By Dan Smith
Skiff Staff

After going 2-0 against ranked teams last season, the men’s soccer team gets its first chance to play a ranked opponent when it faces No. 10 South Carolina 1 p.m.

Sunday at Patriots Point stadium.

With an explosive offense, South Carolina (1-0) will be a tough early-season task for the Frogs. Assistant coach Blake Amos said the Frogs (1-1) are up to the challenge.

“We play best against competitive teams,” Amos said.

Junior midfielder Jon Meyers looks to advance the ball against forward Jamal Sutton of Southwest Missouri in a game last season. The Frogs take on No. 10 South Carolina Sunday.

Coming off 1-1 weekend, the Frogs are competing in the Aaron Olitsky Memorial Classic this weekend.

The Frogs’ first game of the tournament is 7 p.m. tonight against a College of Charleston team that is coming off of a 5-0 loss against William and Mary and will be looking for a rebound.

But the biggest test will be against South Carolina.

The Gamecocks just moved up to 10th in the College Soccer News Poll, and are coming into the classic with a 1-0 record after defeating No. 12 Penn State 3-2.

The Frogs had a bumpy game last Sunday in a losing effort against Belmont (3-1).

“We created chances, but we just didn’t put any in the back of the net,” Amos said.

“We need to capitalize this weekend.”

South Carolina is loaded with many offensive weapons including sophomore forward Ryan Daley. Daley was named a preseason All-American and has already started off this season with a goal in the Gamecocks opener.

“When there’s competition we play best,” Amos said. “We need to make plays and be aware of who’s on the field.” In an attempt to keep up with the Gamecocks, the Frogs worked on moving the ball up quicker to create more chances on offense.

With South Carolinas’ offense comes a defensive package that includes goalkeeper Michael Bachmeyer who made 10 saves last week. Bachmeyer is filling the shoes of goalkeeper Henry Ring who entered the MLS draft last year.

Dan Smith
d.r.smith@student.tcu.edu