Aug. 25, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s soccer team opens up the 2005 regular season on Friday night at 7 p.m. hosting Mercer at Stone Stadium. Carolina enters the match fresh off a 2-0 record in the preseason including an exhibition win at ninth ranked Duke last weekend. Live audio broadcast and live gametracker stats for Friday night’s match with the Bears will be available at www.uscsports.com.

“We are excited to get started and anxious to go out there and compete,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “It’s been nice to have two exhibition games to prepare and I think we feel more prepared than ever to start regular season. Hopefully, after having two exhibitions, the team is not so nervous and things will be a bit calmer going into this game. We are going into the match focusing on our play and if we do the things we have done well the last two games, we should be in good shape to compete and get a result.”

Along with the 2-0 win over Duke, Carolina also won its preseason opener 2-1 at home vs. Davidson. Not only did the results show, but the game experience gained for a young team was also beneficial.

“The first match we had new players and we were trying to figure out who was going to play where,” said Smith. “We have already seen great improvements in the newcomers and they are coming along and learning the system. The returning players have proven where they are at coming off the spring and the summer. Some of them have come in and have stepped up their game.”

Although last year’s 8-10-2 record was a disappointment, the Gamecocks were on the brink in several matches. The offseason became a time of learning and improving on the mistakes made in 2004. This year, the Gamecocks expect to be contenders in the SEC and position for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

“The players saw how hard everyone worked once they came back and they were excited,” said Smith. “Everyone is committed to the season. For the first time you have a group that is probably the most committed and most talented that we have had since I’ve been coaching here. That’s what you want to have when you get started in a season. Now we just have to put the results together.”

Six times last year, the Gamecocks fell short by just one goal including five times to SEC opponents as well as three overtime matches. What left a bad taste in the team’s mouth last year has a lit a fire under the 2005 squad that is resolute in being a top team and has high goals and aspirations.

“Our program has got to a point where every year we have seen improvements and got better,” said Smith. “The players have realized the extra work it takes to get to the next level. I think every year too, the classes that have come in have been that much more determined. That has helped the program. Not just the seniors are trying to get the team motivated, but the freshmen on up are coming in and ready to go.”

If the preseason is any indication, the 2005 season looks to be a memorable one for the Gamecock players, coaches and fans.