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HARRISONBURG, Va. — On a night where chances were scarce, South Carolina found its moment. Sophomore midfielder Mika Habel buried an 84th-minute strike to lift the Gamecocks past James Madison, 1–0, on Sunday at Sentara Park.
The victory pushed Carolina to 7–3–1 overall and kept the Gamecocks unbeaten in Sun Belt play at 1–0–1, while James Madison slipped to 1–6–1.
Gamecocks Control Possession
South Carolina dictated tempo from the start, outshooting JMU 14–3 and holding an 8–3 edge in corners.
The Gamecocks nearly scored in the 25th minute when Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez forced a save from Erik Jaspers. Moments later, Alexander Stjernegaard’s header was also denied, keeping the match scoreless.
Habel Strikes in Closing Minutes
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute. After a buildup involving Stjernegaard and Keanan Bader, the ball found Habel on the right. His curling shot sailed over Jaspers and into the far corner for the game-winner.
“It was about staying patient and trusting our style,” Habel said. “We knew if we kept pressing, the chance would come.”
Defense Locks Down JMU
Carolina’s defense was composed throughout, limiting the Dukes to just one shot on target. A late handball appeal with one second remaining was waved off, preserving the shutout.
Head coach Tony Annan praised his group: “That’s the kind of organization you need on the road. The guys stayed disciplined, and we got the result.”
Carolina Returns Home vs. UCF
The Gamecocks return to Stone Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, hosting UCF at 7 p.m. in Columbia.
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