Charlotte Men’s Soccer falls to South Carolina 2-1 in first road test of the season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Men’s Soccer (1-2-1) falls to South Carolina (3-2-0) 2-1 in a tough battle to open up 2025 road play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both the Niners and the Gamecocks started quietly, combining for only eight shots in the first half, with three on target.

After a balanced first 45 minutes, both teams came out in the second half determined to score. South Carolina struck first in the 57th minute when Yvan Malarte converted a corner from Alejandro Velasquez-Lopez. Just three minutes later, Malarte set up Velasquez-Lopez, who extended the Gamecocks’ lead to 2-0 in the 60th minute.

The Niners responded by ramping up their offense, firing 14 shots from the 60th minute onward, including five on target. Only one broke through when senior forward Denis Krioutchenkov scored his first goal of the season in the 86th minute off an assist from Chadi Mayati. After that goal, Charlotte managed two more shots on target, but South Carolina keeper Filip Versterre stood tall, making a season-high seven saves.

Charlotte outshot South Carolina 23-5 overall and 18-2 in the second half, but the Gamecocks’ defense held strong, securing their second straight win.

Fouls were nearly even, with Charlotte committing 12 and South Carolina 13. The Gamecocks received two yellow cards, while the Niners picked up three.

UP NEXT

Charlotte gets nearly a week off before starting American Conference play against Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 12, kicking off a two-game homestand at the Charlotte Soccer Field.

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