Cougar Teammates Smith and Nicholson Square Off in USL 2 Playoffs
7/18/2021 10:56:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Smith helped his SC United Bantams to a win over Nicholson's West Virginia United
CHARLESTON, S.C. – For most of the year, College of Charleston seniors Cameron Smith and Jake Nicholson are teammates and friends. Friday night in Columbia, S.C., was a different story.
The Cougar duo faced off in the opening round of the USL 2 Southern Conference playoffs, with Smith in goal for the SC United Bantams and Nicholson playing in the midfield for West Virginia United. Nicholson finished with one shot, but Smith recorded four saves in a 3-1 win at the Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Complex.
"It was awesome to play against Jake," said Smith. "You play with a lot of new guys over the summer, so to get to see someone you're familiar with on the field is refreshing, even if they're the opposition. He gave our defense some trouble in the game."
The victory continued an outstanding summer for the SC Bantams, who are 12-1-2 and won the Deep South Division. Smith anchors the defense with 26 saves and has registered a goals against average of just over 1.00. Nicholson was also a major contributor for his side, leading the entire USL 2 with eight assists while adding a goal in a 9-4-2 season.
"I think this summer has helped me to stay fit and sharp," said Smith. "It's been a good opportunity to be able to play at a high level and get ready for a tough upcoming fall season against a lot of very good teams."
Smith and Nicholson return for their final season at CofC and will be looking to attain All-CAA status for the second time in their careers. Smith was a third team all-league selection following the 2020 season (which was played in spring 2021), and Nicholson achieved the same accolade after the 2019 campaign.
Two other Cougars also competed in USL 2 this summer. Senior Steven Cahill played for Wake FC, and incoming graduate transfer Nick Burnz lined up for BV Cavalry FC.
The Cougar duo faced off in the opening round of the USL 2 Southern Conference playoffs, with Smith in goal for the SC United Bantams and Nicholson playing in the midfield for West Virginia United. Nicholson finished with one shot, but Smith recorded four saves in a 3-1 win at the Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Complex.
"It was awesome to play against Jake," said Smith. "You play with a lot of new guys over the summer, so to get to see someone you're familiar with on the field is refreshing, even if they're the opposition. He gave our defense some trouble in the game."
The victory continued an outstanding summer for the SC Bantams, who are 12-1-2 and won the Deep South Division. Smith anchors the defense with 26 saves and has registered a goals against average of just over 1.00. Nicholson was also a major contributor for his side, leading the entire USL 2 with eight assists while adding a goal in a 9-4-2 season.
"I think this summer has helped me to stay fit and sharp," said Smith. "It's been a good opportunity to be able to play at a high level and get ready for a tough upcoming fall season against a lot of very good teams."
Smith and Nicholson return for their final season at CofC and will be looking to attain All-CAA status for the second time in their careers. Smith was a third team all-league selection following the 2020 season (which was played in spring 2021), and Nicholson achieved the same accolade after the 2019 campaign.
Two other Cougars also competed in USL 2 this summer. Senior Steven Cahill played for Wake FC, and incoming graduate transfer Nick Burnz lined up for BV Cavalry FC.
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