Alabama Athletics
Despite early lead, Alabama soccer takes 5-2 loss to No. 8 South Carolina
TUSCALOOSA, AL -- Despite jumping out to a two-goal lead in the first 23 minutes, the Alabama soccer team lost to No. 8 South Carolina 5-2 on Thursday night.
The Crimson Tide fell to 0-2 in SEC play, 5-4-1 overall.
“We knew they were going to be a quick team, a very attacking team,” freshman midfielder Reyna Reyes said. “It was a good start for us to play a hard team that will prepare us for other games in the SEC.
"We had two chances and we finished them, but our main problem was getting back in transition. I think we learned a lot.”
After a high intensity start from both sides, Alabama took the early lead in the 12th minute through Reyes, who connected with a Kaley Verpaele corner kick.
The Crimson Tide doubled its advantage when Taylor Morgan won a penalty in the 23rd minute. Casey Wertz’s initial attempt from the spot was saved but the junior forward recovered the rebound and made no mistake with her second attempt.
Mere seconds later the Gamecocks drew a goal back after a mix-up at the back between junior goalkeeper Alex Plavin and her backline. South Carolina’s Ryan Gareis took advantage, latching onto a stray pass and finished into the open Alabama net.
Just before halftime, South Carolina’s Jyllissa Harris leveled the game with a stunning free kick from the left side of the box across the face of goal into side netting.
Though the two sides entered the locker rooms even at the break, South Carolina looked like a different team coming out.
Within four minutes of the restart, the Gamecocks took the lead through Luciana Zullo. Her curling effort from the right side looped over Plavin to fly into the top left corner. Minutes later, South Carolina doubled its advantage when Elexa Bahr let fly from distance. Her shot from distance beat Plavin for power, nicking the crossbar on its way in.
The two quick-fire goals from the Gamecocks seemingly killed the game fo the Crimson Tide. Alabama fought to redevelop a foothold in the match and maintain possession, but the high pressure from South Carolina disrupted its attempts.
A fifth goal for South Carolina Through Camryn Dixon wrapped up the scoring in a disappointing night defensively for the Crimson Tide.
“We knew going into the game that they were a damn good team,” Crimson Tide coach Wes Hart said. “They’re number eight for a reason and I wouldn’t be surprised if they keep climbing higher and higher. We knew we were going to be doing a lot of defending tonight.”
The Gamecocks outshot the Crimson Tide 19-7, placing 11 on target. Alabama held an 11-4 advantage in corners. Plavin made six saves while trying to keep the Crimson Tide in the match.
Alabama travels to Knoxville to take on Tennessee on Sunday, with the Crimson Tide still looking to notch its first win in league play.
“I think we scrap this whole game, even the two goals,” Hart said. “We put this one behind us and we move on.”
