The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s soccer team is set to face the UCF Knights in a crucial Sun Belt Conference match. This game will take place on Saturday night at Stone Stadium, kicking off at 7 p.m.
Upcoming Match Details
This match marks the 17th encounter between the Gamecocks and the Knights. Historically, South Carolina holds a lead with a record of 9 wins, 3 losses, and 4 draws against UCF. Their last meeting ended with UCF defeating South Carolina 4-0 on November 1, 2024, in Orlando.
Current Season Performance
- South Carolina Gamecocks: 7 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw; currently 0-0-1 in the Sun Belt.
- UCF Knights: 2 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw; currently 0-2 in the Sun Belt.
Coach Tony Annan, in his fifth season, has seen his team achieve a record of 33 wins, 34 losses, and 12 draws. Leading the Gamecocks is Ethan Ballek, who excels with 5 goals, 4 assists, and 14 total points this season.
Game Day Initiatives
This match will also raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week at South Carolina Athletics. Fans attending are encouraged to bring hygiene supplies for donation to local services in Columbia, including items such as toothpaste, deodorant, and hand sanitizer.
Notable Statistics and Trends
- South Carolina ranks first in the nation for soccer attendance, averaging 4,576 fans per game.
- In total, all home matches rank within the top-20 for attendance in Division I soccer this season.
- The highest attended match so far was against Clemson, drawing 6,536 fans.
- The Gamecocks boast an all-time record of 544 wins, 295 losses, and 88 draws.
- Filip Versterre ranks third in the nation for goalie minutes played.
- Ethan Ballek is among the nation’s top players, ranking 12th in shots per game and 21st in total points.
After achieving a four-match winning streak, South Carolina’s recent form includes an impressive win over No. 11 UNCG, their first ranked victory since November 2023.
Player Achievements
Ethan Ballek received the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week award on September 16, marking a significant recognition for his skills. Furthermore, the Gamecocks made history by sweeping conference Player of the Week awards across consecutive weeks.
As they prepare for their match against UCF at Stone Stadium, the Gamecocks aim to build on their strengths and improve their standings in the Sun Belt Conference. For ongoing updates, fans can follow the team on their official social media platforms.
