Sept. 2, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – Fresh off a 3-1 victory at Furman on Tuesday night, the USC women’s soccer team (2-1) returns home this weekend for a pair of non-conference matches. The Gamecocks host Houston on Friday night at 7 p.m. and close the weekend out on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. vs. Iowa State. Live audio broadcast will be available at USCSPORTS.COM. Friday night is Family Night and Armed Forces Night at Stone Stadium with free admission for all kids. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE AUDIO

The Gamecocks have had success at home vs. non-conference opponents since Shelley Smith took over the head coaching duties in 2001. South Carolina is 11-2 at Stone Stadium vs. a non-conference team. South Carolina has also met both schools in previous contests before this season. USC played Houston to a 1-1 tie last year on the road with Erin Geldhof scoring her first career goal. The Gamecocks earned a 2-1 win over Iowa State at home in the 2000 season.

Heading into Friday’s match vs. the Cougars, USC has been in control of the majority of play in matches on the offensive side. USC holds an advantage of 38-18 in shots with 23 corner kicks accumulated over three matches. The 23 corner kicks is the highest number for an SEC team. Five different players have scored a goal for the Gamecocks as well (Courtney Cobbs, Sarah Lentz, Jessi Swaim, Amanda Thurber, Jackie Welch). The other goal for USC came on an own goal vs. Furman.