Spring Break
Men's soccer strives for title
Maurer, Scannella look to guide youthful team through difficult Conference USA schedule
Drew Lattier
Issue date: 8/21/08 Section: Sports
A Word Frmo the Coach
Coach Berson on this season:
"We're anxious to get the season started. Last year I thought we had a very good year with an exceptionally young team, so we have a lot of players returning, and that's a great boost for us. We already start this year quite a bit ahead of where we were last year. Our goal this year is to win Conference-USA, then to get an NCAA tournament bid. I think this year our players are focused and ready to go."
The relatively young men's soccer team is ready to make its mark on the 2008 season which begins Aug. 29 in a Friday night thriller against Clemson. Although the team is young in age with just four seniors on the roster, the squad will start the season this year with plenty of talented returning players. The majority of the team participated in soccer summer leagues throughout the country, and the players have returned to start the season in shape and ready to compete. Multiple quality players adding team depth will be a big advantage to Carolina this season as USC takes on a tough schedule with plenty of nationally ranked opponents.
Players to watch
Look for sophomore goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and junior midfielder Jeff Scannella to help lead the 2008 Gamecocks on the field. Both standout players were selected to the 11-man Preseason All-Conference team of Conference-USA. Scannella returns this year with hopes of continuing his offensive dominance. The third-year player has amassed ten goals and seven assists during his first two years at Carolina. Maurer impressed many last year after collecting 11 wins in his 2007 rookie season and allowed just over one goal per game.
Coach Berson on this season:
"We're anxious to get the season started. Last year I thought we had a very good year with an exceptionally young team, so we have a lot of players returning, and that's a great boost for us. We already start this year quite a bit ahead of where we were last year. Our goal this year is to win Conference-USA, then to get an NCAA tournament bid. I think this year our players are focused and ready to go."
The relatively young men's soccer team is ready to make its mark on the 2008 season which begins Aug. 29 in a Friday night thriller against Clemson. Although the team is young in age with just four seniors on the roster, the squad will start the season this year with plenty of talented returning players. The majority of the team participated in soccer summer leagues throughout the country, and the players have returned to start the season in shape and ready to compete. Multiple quality players adding team depth will be a big advantage to Carolina this season as USC takes on a tough schedule with plenty of nationally ranked opponents.
Players to watch
Look for sophomore goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and junior midfielder Jeff Scannella to help lead the 2008 Gamecocks on the field. Both standout players were selected to the 11-man Preseason All-Conference team of Conference-USA. Scannella returns this year with hopes of continuing his offensive dominance. The third-year player has amassed ten goals and seven assists during his first two years at Carolina. Maurer impressed many last year after collecting 11 wins in his 2007 rookie season and allowed just over one goal per game.
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