Aug. 19, 2010
By Miquel Jacobs
Media Relations Assistant
| South Carolina at Boston | Friday, 7 p.m. |
 | Game Notes  |
| South Carolina at Northeastern | Sunday, 12 p.m. |
| Live Stats and Video | Game Notes |
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s soccer team opens its 2010 season in Boston, Mass., for the program’s first-ever trip to the Northeast. The No. 12 Gamecocks open Friday night against Boston University at 7 p.m. before taking on Northeastern in a Sunday noon match. The meeting is the second against the Terriers and first against the Huskies.
The Gamecocks return six starters from last season’s SEC Tournament championship team that went 19-4-2 with a berth in the NCAA Round of 16. Sophomore forward Kayla Grimsley is an All-American candidate and was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. Senior goalkeeper Mollie Patton is a Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award candidate and returns after a record-breaking junior year in goal that saw her set SEC and South Carolina records for single-season and consecutive shutouts. Senior defender Brittiny Rhoades anchors a new-look backline and was named a Preseason All-SEC selection.
ON THE HORIZON
The Gamecocks return to the comfortable confines of Stone Stadium for a six-game homestand. The team hosts Louisville and Ohio as part of the Gamecock Courtyard Cup next weekend.
SOUTH CAROLINA IN SEASON OPENERS
South Carolina enters 2010 with an all-time record of 8-5-2 in season openers. Three games have gone to overtime – College of Charleston (2001), Clemson (2003) and UNC Wilmington (2008). In home contests, the Gamecocks boast a perfect 6-0 record, outscoring opponents 19-2 after a 2-0 victory against College of Charleston last year. When heading on the road to open the season, Carolina carries a 2-4-2 record overall. The Gamecocks are 1-2 against ranked opponents, falling to #20 and #13 ranked teams but defeating #1 UNC in 2007. Under Coach Smith, the Gamecocks have gone 5-2-2 in season openers.
SCOUTING BOSTON
The Boston Terriers were the unanimous selection to claim the America East title after going 14-6-2 last year. The Terriers have won three consecutive America East titles. The team is led by junior forward Jessica Luscinski and senior midfielder Shauna Kelleher. The team will have a new GK in 2010 after America East Goalkeeper of the Year Janie Reilly decided to forego her final year of eligibility. The match is the second between Carolina and Boston, with the Gamecocks winning a 1-0 game in 2008 at Stone Stadium.
SCOUTING NORTHEASTERN
New coach Tracey Leone, former coach at Clemson from 1994-99, takes over a strong squad that went 12-4-3 and won the 2009 CAA title. The team is led by MAC Hermann Trophy Candidate and Preseason CAA Player of the Year Devin Petta, who had 14 goals, 7 assists and 35 points last year. Sophomore defender Sandra Magnusdottir was also named to the Preseason All-CAA team. The Huskies return 19 letterwinners and eight starters from last season, but the team will also be welcoming a new GK between the pipes after the graduation of Stephanie Gordon. It will be the first matchup between the Gamecocks and Huskies.
