NORFOLK, Va. — No. 4 South Carolina erased an early Old Dominion lead and prevailed 2-1 Friday night at the ODU Soccer Complex, handing the Monarchs their first defeat of the season and beginning Sun Belt Conference play on a winning note.
Early dominance by ODU gave way in the second half
Old Dominion (7-1, 0-1 SBC) threatened from the opening whistle, creating several scoring chances and pressing South Carolina’s goalkeeper repeatedly during the first half. The Monarchs recorded an aggressive opening segment that included multiple corners and a go-ahead goal in the 17th minute.
Ludovico Vicini delivered a curling finish into the top corner of the near post to put ODU ahead, but South Carolina (7-0, 1-0 SBC) responded later to overturn the early deficit. Attendance for the match was a season-high 1,286 at the ODU facility.
Turning points and crucial saves
Old Dominion tested Gamecocks goalkeeper Noah Scheidweiler early and often. Scheidweiler made a string of key stops — including saves on Jason Purks and Matthew Moffatt — that kept the scoreline within reach for South Carolina. The visitors’ goalkeeper also drew a yellow card for dissent after pressing the referee following a disallowed ODU goal.
“I’m disappointed for the players tonight. We were fantastic in the first half, but the game got away from us for 25 mins in the second. At this level we have to be really disciplined with details and that’s what cost us tonight. We will bounce back and be prepared for William and Mary on Tuesday.”
The quote came from Old Dominion head coach Tennant McVea, who singled out a lapse of discipline in the second half as the difference in the match.
Disallowed goal, protests and momentum shifts
ODU appeared to have an insurance goal when Micah Wayland converted a right-footed finish at the far post after a 24th-minute cross from Otu Bisong, but the play was overturned because of a foul in the box. That decision proved pivotal. After the referee ruled the goal out, Scheidweiler was shown a yellow card for his protests.
Before the second-half run by the Gamecocks, the Monarchs’ pressure was notable: multiple early shots and at least four corners in the first 16 minutes. But sustained South Carolina chances late in the first half — including an effort by Kieran Karp that forced a strong reaction from ODU goalkeeper Alexander Aguilar — signaled the tightening contest.
What it means for both teams
The result gives South Carolina its seventh consecutive win of the season and a perfect start in Sun Belt play. For Old Dominion, the loss ends an unbeaten start and marks the program’s first setback of 2026.
Coach McVea framed the defeat as one the Monarchs can learn from, noting a quick turnaround: ODU is scheduled to face William & Mary on Tuesday.
- Final score: South Carolina 2, Old Dominion 1
- Records: South Carolina 7-0 (1-0 SBC); Old Dominion 7-1 (0-1 SBC)
- Attendance: 1,286 (season high at ODU Soccer Complex)
Key players and moments
Goalkeeper play and a tight defensive exchange decided the match. Scheidweiler’s several sharp saves and his vocal reaction to the disallowed ODU goal were both notable storylines. ODU’s Vicini opened the scoring with a well-placed curl into the near-post top corner. After the disallowed Wayland strike, the momentum shifted and South Carolina capitalized.
| Statistic | Noted Detail |
|---|---|
| First-half corners | ODU had four corners in the first 16 minutes |
| Notable saves | Multiple stops by South Carolina goalkeeper Noah Scheidweiler |
For Old Dominion, the challenge is immediate: regroup for the midweek match against fellow Virginia-based rival William & Mary. For South Carolina, the result continues a strong start to the season and provides momentum as Sun Belt play unfolds.
Coverage will continue as both programs proceed through conference play; updates and postgame comments are expected following ODU’s Tuesday match and South Carolina’s next scheduled contest.
