COLUMBIA, S.C. - Coastal Carolina (3-8) secured a decisive 3-1 road victory over South Carolina (7-7-2) on Sunday afternoon at Stone Stadium, with three different Chanticleers finding the net in a commanding second-half performance. The match drew 2,347 spectators.
Tyler Trimnal opened the scoring for South Carolina in the 8th minute with a low drive to the left corner. Coastal Carolina equalized through Loed Klaasen in the 10th minute, setting up a tightly contested first half. The Chanticleers completed their comeback after the break with goals from Angel Lopez Martin (64th minute) and Anton Bjarkason (74th minute).
The first half saw South Carolina control much of the possession, generating multiple scoring opportunities. Alexander Stjernegaard tested the Coastal Carolina defense with shots in the 7th and 30th minutes, while Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez forced a save in the 6th minute. The Chanticleers' defense, anchored by Harrison Gough in goal, weathered the early pressure despite South Carolina's six first-half shots.
Coastal Carolina emerged from halftime with renewed attacking intent. The tactical shift became evident as Loed Klaasen and Angel Lopez Martin began finding more space in the attacking third. The breakthrough came when Lopez Martin struck in the 64th minute, followed by Bjarkason's clinical finish ten minutes later. South Carolina's attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by disciplined defending from the Chanticleers.
The final statistics reflected South Carolina's offensive pressure, as they outshot Coastal Carolina 17-8 overall. However, the Chanticleers proved more efficient, putting six shots on target compared to South Carolina's six. Both teams earned five corner kicks, while Coastal Carolina received two yellow cards - shown to Dominic Cintra (61st minute) and Christian Cook (85th minute).
Harrison Gough proved instrumental in Coastal Carolina's victory, making five crucial saves. For South Carolina, Ethan Ballek remained a constant threat, recording multiple shots including a dangerous attempt in the 90th minute that required a save from Gough. Angel Lopez Martin's performance stood out with both a goal and an assist for the Chanticleers.
The match highlighted Coastal Carolina's tactical evolution, as they absorbed first-half pressure before executing a more aggressive pressing game after the interval. South Carolina's inability to capitalize on their early dominance proved costly, with the Gamecocks struggling to break down an increasingly confident Chanticleers defense in the second half.
The victory extends Coastal Carolina's winning streak to two matches, marking a significant turnaround for a team that had struggled earlier in the season. For South Carolina, the loss represents their third straight defeat, raising concerns as they approach the final stretch of their conference schedule.
Key substitutions played a crucial role in the match's flow, with South Carolina's withdrawal of Alexander Stjernegaard and Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez in the 68th minute failing to provide the desired offensive spark. The Chanticleers managed their lead effectively in the closing stages, with their defensive organization frustrating South Carolina's attempts to mount a late comeback.
Both teams now turn their attention to crucial road matches on October 31, with Coastal Carolina traveling to face UCF while South Carolina heads to Georgia Southern. The Chanticleers will look to build on this momentum, while the Gamecocks seek to end their losing streak.