The 13th ranked University of South Carolina men's soccer team kicks off the 2002 season on Friday, Aug. 23 at 7:00 p.m. with an exhibition match against Appalachian State at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium. Admission to the Friday night showdown is free.

South Carolina leads the series between the Gamecocks and Mountaineers 12-1-2. USC won the last meeting 8-0, which occurred in 1994.

Friday's matchup also marks the first meeting between South Carolina Head Coach Mark Berson and Appalachian Head Coach Dave Golan. Golan was Berson's assistant coach before he left USC to take the head coaching job at Appalachian State. Golan also played for the garnet and black, under the guidance of Coach Berson, in 1984, 1985 and 1988.

South Carolina begins the regular season the following Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they host Charleston Southern.

<small>[ August 21, 2002, 02:39 PM: Message edited by: JoltinJacket ]</small>

Head Coach Mark Berson faces his former athlete and coach, Dave Golan, for the first time. Golan is the Head Coach for Appalachian State.

best of luck to the men's soccer team. hopefully SC can have even a better all around year in sports in 2002-03 than last year.

<small>[ August 26, 2002, 10:28 PM: Message edited by: CougarReggie ]</small>