University of South Carolina men’s soccer program announces team captains

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina men’s soccer players Kyle Gurrieri and Justin Bauer have been named team captains for the 2020 season, head coach Mark Berson announced on Monday.

A native of Oviedo, Fla., Bauer is a senior goalkeeper while Gurrieri is a senior midfielder hailing from Totowa, N.J.

“In our game, it’s 90 percent coach oriented in the training sessions and tactical planning during the week and 90 percent player oriented during the game,” Berson said. “Our captains each year play a pivotal role in our team. Kyle and Justin have worked very hard here during their career and I know they are excited for the 2020 season. They will carry on the tradition of captain for the men’s soccer team with distinction.”

Gurrieri, in his second year at Carolina after transferring from Syracuse, saw action in six games with three starts in 2019 before his season was cut short due to injury.

“Being a leader is a big responsibility and considering everything that athletes have to face today, that responsibility has never been greater for captains,” Gurrieri said. “I fully accept that responsibility. I have a commitment to lead this team by example and wherever the season takes us I will be there for every one of these guys to push us every step of the way until we accomplish what we set our goals on.”

Bauer, who missed the entirety of his junior year due to injury, returns in 2020 looking to have a strong campaign between the posts.

“To be named captain of this program meant the world to me,” Bauer said. “We have a special group of players this year and for me to impact this team going forward is a responsibility I’m excited for. I’m dedicated to maintaining our team’s standard of excellence on and off the field.”

Our guys we've picked to lead us through 2020.

READ: https://t.co/WckqWzN4wb #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/VSJjyPPAGr

— Gamecock M. Soccer (@GamecockMSoccer) July 27, 2020