Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest University
South Carolina (UNC Classic)
Men's Soccer Hammers South Carolina, 3-0
9/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 9, 2005
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --- The 16th-ranked Wake Forest men's soccer team scored three first-half goals and cruised past South Carolina, 3-0, in men's college soccer action from the Carolina Nike Classic Friday night.
The Demon Deacons (2-1-0) thoroughly dominated the Gamecocks (0-3-0) over the match's first 25 minutes. Wake Forest took advantage of a poor distribution from South Carolina freshman goalkeeper Mike Gustavson for its first goal.
Freshman Michael Lahoud chased down Gustavson's outlet pass and streaked toward the South Carolina penalty area. The midfielder took on Greg Reese, beating the Gamecock defender and sliding a perfect ball across the goalmouth to an unmarked Justin Moose. The senior All-American buried the scoring chance for his first goal of the season at the 7:43 mark. The goal was Moose's 12th of his career.
Lahoud found himself in the middle of the Demon Deacons next scoring threat. After fellow freshman Lyle Adams' service found Lahoud alone in the penalty area, the Reston, Va. native fired a shot on goal which Gustavson made the initial save, but Lahoud took the ensuing rebound and slotted it past Gustavson at 14:10 giving Wake Forest a 2-0 lead. The goal was Lahoud's second of the season.
The Deacs kept relentless pressure on the South Carolina defense and were rewarded with their third goal in the opening 25 minutes. Junior Ryan Solle and junior Wells Thompson worked a beautiful give-and-go inside the Gamecock's 18-yard box. Thompson then arched a curling ball over top a couple South Carolina defenders to junior Mark Ellington. The forward headed home the goal at 23:28.
The three first-half goals were more than enough for the Wake forest defense and sophomore goalkeeper Brian Edwards. Sophomores Julian Valentin and Pat Phelan, as well as junior Steven Curfman and Adams controlled the Gamecocks the entire match. When South Carolina was able to get the ball on net, Edwards was fit for the task. The netminder made one save en route to his second consecutive shutout. Edwards, who now has 11 career shutouts, has not allowed a goal in a span of 195:07.
The Deacs avenged last season's 1-0 loss to the Gamecocks. With the victory, Wake Forest evened the all-time series with South Carolina, 11-11-4.
Wake Forest will return to action at the Carolina Nike Classic Sunday afternoon against Rutgers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
