Sumter, SC - Mens soccer lost on the road 2-1 to USC Sumter.
USC Sumter got on the board early in the game scoring three minutes into the first half. The fire ants then scored again in the tenth minute. The Sea Devils were finally able to convert a goal in the second half, but it was not enough to give them the win. Cameron Murray brought a needed level of physicality and composure on the ball in the central midfield while switching the ball as needed and creating dangerous attacks off his quality passes. Taylor Trimble lead from the back and had a high defensive work rate contributing to shutting down a lot of USC Sumter's direct attacks. Wells Bridgforth wasn't responsible for either goal but still did what he could to try and stop it. He showed the level of urgency that is needed to be successful in the collegiate game.
Coach C.W Ponton commented, "once again we hurt ourselves by starting off slow. I took more than a hand full of starters out after we allowed two goals in the first 15 minutes. Once those changes were made it was an even game the rest of the first half and we dominated the second half, but it's not a 45-minute game. My hopes is that eventually they will gain the desire to win games early on and compete a full 90 minutes. This team could be dangerous, but I never know how they will show up day to day. Safe to say I'm disappointed".
The Sea Devils are now 5-5 on the season and 4-4 in conference play.
Their next game is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th in Richlands, VA. They will take on Southwest Virginia at 12 pm.
Courtesy of Breanna Sudano
Photo credit: portraitsbycarin.com