Bantams Defeat Coker Developmental, USC Salkehatchie

USC Union Men's Soccer started off their season strong with a 4-1 win over Coker University's developmental team in a scrimmage on August 21.

On August 26, the Bantams defeated USC Salkehatchie 5-1. Sophomore midfielder Chris Neilson scored the first goal at the four-minute mark unassisted with three shots and one shot on the goal. At the 30-minute mark, freshman forward Antonio Ardigo scored with three shots and one shot on the goal and an assist from sophomore winger Mila Mzamane. Sophomore midfielder Adrian Williams scored at 42 minutes with one shot and an assist from Mzamane. Mzamane scored two goals, at 45 minutes and 65 minutes, with assists from freshman forward Steve Ouattara and sophomore winger Afonso De Noronha. Goalkeeper Colby Suber completed two saves out of three shots on the goal, and goalkeeper Donovan Cobb completed one save out of one shot on the goal.

"We have lots of freshman that just met at the beginning of this month, and we make a good team," said Pablo Valverade, a freshman defensive back and team captain. "We are very connected and know how to help each other, even though we are working with lots of different personalities." In this game, he said that defense worked hard for the win. "We knew when to step up and when to back down and defend the goal. We are happy to win, but we know we have to keep working."

Neilson, who is also a team captain, says that everyone on the team is "determined" and that he is looking forward to a good year. He says that the playing style is different from his home country of Scotland. "Back home, everything is very technical but here it's a lot more physical," he said. "But communication is a massive part of it. In this game, defense was strong and everyone was communicating with each other."

"Everyone played well," said Head Coach Marc Curlee. "This team is working great together."

The Bantams will travel to Erskine College for a scrimmage on Saturday, August 31 and will compete against USC Sumter on Monday, September 2 at 2PM at their home field behind Jonesville Town Hall.