Sept. 10, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – After going undefeated through the first six games of the season for the first time since 2009, South Carolina (5-0-1) cracked the Top 10 in Soccer America’s weekly rankings coming in at No. 9, moving up two spots from No. 11 which they held the previous two weeks after beginning the season unranked. It marks the highest ranking for the program in any poll since the end of the 2009 season and only the sixth Top 10 ranking from SoccerAmerica in program history.

The Gamecocks also moved into the NSCAA/Continental Tire College Rankings for the first time after receiving votes the previous two weeks. The Garnet and Black jumped to No. 18 after previously being the first team outside of the Top 25 last week.

Carolina also entered TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Top 25, coming in at No. 22. In other rankings, the Gamecocks are currently No. 16 by Collegesportsmadness.com, No. 17 by SoccerTimes.com and No. 23 by OurGameMagazine.com.

The team’s undefeated run has been fueled by timely scoring and great defense, which has resulted in a 10-1 goals scored to goals allowed ratio, one the best in the country through the first three weeks of the season. The backline led by junior goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo currently ranks in the Top 5 in the country in save percentage at 0.950, goals against average at 0.161, shutout percentage at 0.833, while being tied for the national lead in shutouts with five.     

The Gamecocks wrap-up the non-conference portion of their schedule this week with home matches against South Florida on Thursday at 7 p.m., and East Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m

Season tickets for women’s soccer, which includes admission to all home games, are currently on sale in the Gamecock Ticket Office. Fans can purchase tickets online at GamecocksOnline.com, or by calling 1-800-4SC-FANS. Cost for season tickets for women’s soccer is $25 for adults and $10 for youth (17 and under).