Sept. 13, 2009
Box Score
COLUMBIA, S.C. -
A goal by senior Tyler Ruthven in the 45th minute of play turned out to be the game-winner as No. 25 South Carolina downed George Mason 1-0 in the final match of the adidas Gamecock Classic at Stone Stadium in Columbia, S.C. on Sunday afternoon. The Patriots finished with a 1-1 record at the two-day tournament to finish in third place in the team standings.
The match remained scoreless in the first half when South Carolina drew a free-kick opportunity near Mason's 18-yard box on a Patriot foul with under a minute remaining. Junior forward Sam Arthur sent a strong shot towards the net, which was saved by Mason senior goalkeeper Sean Kelley and deflected to Ruthven, who hit a one-time shot from the far post to give the Gamecocks a 1-0 lead.
Despite taking the loss, Kelley performed well in goal for the Patriots, making several tough stops throughout the match. Kelley played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded six saves in the contest.
Junior Jimmy Maurer earned the win for South Carolina with 90 minutes in goal and three saves. Maurer's shutout was his second of the season.
At the conclusion of the tournament, both Richard Edgar and Eric Zuehsow were named to the adidas Gamecock Classic All-Tournament Team. Butler (4-0-0) captured the Classic title with victories over South Carolina and Presbyterian in the two-day event, followed by South Carolina (3-1-0) in second, Mason (2-2-0) in third and Presbyterian (1-3-0) in fourth place.
The Patriots return to action on Saturday, Sept. 19 when they take on the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
adidas Gamecock Classic All-Tournament Team
1. Boris Gatzky - Butler
2. Matt Hedges - Butler
3. Kyle VondenBenken - Butler
4. Kyle Pateros - Butler
5. Tyler Ruthven - South Carolina
6. Vance Benson - South Carolina
7. Blake Brettschneider - South Carolina
8. Eric Zuehsow - George Mason
9. Richard Edgar - George Mason
10. Juan Ocampo - Presbyterian
11. Zach Sinkuler - Presbyterian
Offensive MVP: Boris Gatzky - Butler
Defensive MVP: Tyler Ruthven - South Carolina
