Gamecocks Wrap 2025 Season

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – South Carolina women’s soccer (10-5-5) concluded the 2025 season, falling short 2-1 to No. 7-seeded Wake Forest (11-4-4).

Both teams were deadlocked in chances throughout the first 15 minutes, until Wake Forest connected on a deflected shot coming off the right post to put themselves up 1-0 early. The Gamecocks fought back for the remainder of the half, taking three more chances with two on goal, but couldn’t find the equalizer before heading into the locker room.

South Carolina then picked up the tempo for the second half, taking a shot three minutes in that was met by a lucky block from a Deacs defender that just missed the bottom right corner of the net. After Wake Forest regained possession, they extended their lead by two in the 60th minute off a corner kick. Less than five minutes later, the Gamecocks got themselves back within a goal after a monster shot from midfielder Cuyler Zulauf beyond the 18 snuck past Deacs keeper Valentina Amaral to make things 2-1 in the 64th minute. It was Zulauf’s sixth goal of the season, assisted by Katie Shea Collins.

The Gamecocks would take five more shots with one inches away from becoming the equalizer in the 70th minute, but Wake Forest ultimately hung on to the 2-1 victory.

South Carolina’s appearance in the NCAA Tournament was its 18th overall, and marked the 13th consecutive season the Gamecocks have made the postseason run. The Gamecocks round out the season 10-5-5, reaching as high as No. 8 in the country, and appearing in the SEC Tournament for its 20th time. The 2025 season was the 25th for coaching duo Shelley and Jamie Smith.