The University of South Carolina men’s soccer squad is set to open its 2024 campaign on Monday, August 24, when it welcomes USC Upstate to Stone Stadium in Columbia.
It will be the 11th meeting between the Gamecocks and the Spartans, all of which have taken place on the Carolina campus, underscoring a long‑standing regional rivalry that dates back to 1980.
A rivalry with a surprising twist
While South Carolina holds a 5‑0 edge in the all‑time series, the most recent encounter flipped the script. In 2023 the Spartans edged a 2‑1 victory in the 78th minute, and just a year later the Gamecocks rallied to a 4‑0 win despite being a man down for the final 70 minutes, a testament to their depth and resilience.
The Gamecocks entered the season ranked sixth in the Sun Belt Conference, a placement that reflects both the program’s recent surge and the expectations of coaches across the league. The team boasts a streak of three consecutive season‑opening victories, the latest of which featured a dominant performance against UNF that yielded 12 points, the highest total since a 13‑point win over the same opponent in September 2024.
Attendance has been a particular strength. For the fourth straight season the program led the nation in home‑game attendance, drawing 3,792 fans to its last home match and ranking among the top‑30 Division I programs nationwide.
Key contributors and new faces
The season opener showcased several standout performances. Loïc Sany Kong, a sophomore forward, exploded for two goals and an assist, marking his first career multi‑goal and multi‑point game. Fellow attacker Angel Lopez added a goal and an assist, extending his own streak of career‑defining contributions.
Head coach [Name] praised the chemistry between the returning starters and the influx of newcomers. Mika Habel, a returning starter, will anchor the back line, while transfers Gabriel Nickerson and Matthew DeJianne bring experience and versatility. DeJianne, a freshman, earned a spot on the Sun Belt All‑Freshman Team last year, and Emil Seedorff, the 2025 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, joins the roster as a promising new talent.
With 18 newcomers, nine transfers and nine true freshmen, the squad blends youthful energy with seasoned leadership. The coaching staff believes this mix positions the Gamecocks to contend not only for conference supremacy but also for deeper runs in the NCAA tournament.
As the team prepares for the upcoming fixtures, the excitement is palpable. The combination of a storied rivalry, strong fan support, and a roster poised for growth sets the stage for a compelling season ahead.