Gamecocks Climb To No. 3 In United Soccer Coaches Poll
Sept. 12, 2017
United Soccer Coaches Top-25 Poll
COLUMBIA, S.C. ââ’¬” South Carolina women’s soccer climbed to the No. 3 spot in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon. The Gamecocks, who were listed at No. 7 last week, moved back into the top-five after posting a 1-0 win over No. 4 Clemson this past Friday.
No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 Stanford occupy the top two spots, while No. 4 Duke and No. 5 West Virginia round out the top-five. The Gamecocks have been listed in the top-five in three of the ranking’s five installments this season, and Carolina has earned a top-10 ranking in 13 of the last 14 weeks dating back to 2016.
Gamecock forward Elexa Bahr netted the game-winner in the 17th minute to push South Carolina past the Tigers last week. The sophomore, who was tabbed the SEC Offensive Player of the Week Monday, collected a through ball from senior Savannah McCaskill and converted from inside the box to put the Gamecocks in front.
The victory over Clemson improved Carolina’s mark to 4-1 over its last five games against top-five foes in a stretch that dates back to 2014.
The Gamecocks (6-1) open SEC play this Friday at home against Alabama (7-1). Kickoff from Stone Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and the match can be seen on SEC Network+ through WatchESPN.