Aug. 6, 2014
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – South Carolina women’s soccer will open the 2014 season as the nation’s No. 14 team, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) NSCAA/Continental Tire Preseason Rankings released today.
The No. 14 preseason ranking is the highest for the Gamecocks since entering the 2010 season at No. 12.
“This shows the respect that teams and coaches across the country have for our program,” South Carolina head coach Shelley Smith said of the ranking. “We know we are deserving of a No. 14 ranking at this point and hope to prove that we belong in the top 25 throughout the season.”
The Gamecocks face three opponents in the 2014 preseason top 25, beginning with an exhibition at No. 18 Duke on Thurs., Aug. 14. Two other Southeastern Conference schools earned spots in the rankings with Florida at No. 8 and Texas A&M at No. 9. South Carolina faces them both this fall, welcoming Florida to Stone Stadium on Thurs., Oct. 16, in a match-up slated for the SEC Network and traveling to Texas A&M on Sun., Oct. 26.
“We are happy to be one of three teams along with Florida and Texas A&M to represent the SEC in the rankings,” Smith added. “With the level of competition in our conference, I believe there will be more SEC teams deserving of a spot in the top 25 as the season unfolds.”
South Carolina returns eight starters from one of the most successful campaigns in program history. In 2013, head coach Shelley Smith’s squad finished the season with a No. 15 NSCAA final ranking, after a 17-4-2 record and the only undefeated home record in school history (11-0-0). The team also recorded their sixth NCAA appearance in the last seven years.
Regular season rankings will begin the last week of August, coordinating with the start of the NCAA Division I women’s competition
The Gamecocks began practice on Wednesday to prep for the exhibition match at Duke on Thurs., Aug. 14. After opening the regular season on the road at East Carolina on Fri., Aug. 22, South Carolina kicks off its home slate against Samford on Sun., Aug. 24.
Season tickets are on sale now, with soccer fans getting the best deal ever offered for tickets. For $25 for adults and $10 for youth 17 and under, purchasers receive a season ticket to every men’s and women’s soccer match this season, 22 in all, for an average price of under $1.50 per contest. In addition, season-ticket buyers will get an exclusive Gamecock Soccer scarf. To take advantage of the offer, call 1-800-4SC-FANS (1-800-472-3267) or go to GamecocksOnline.com/tickets to purchase yours today.
