Nov. 3, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina made its return to the national rankings this week, gaining the No. 22 spot in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll released today. Also announced on Tuesday, junior Koty Millard gained a spot on the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week.

After a week away, the Gamecocks reentered the NSCAA poll at No. 22, just behind Old Dominion and Elon, both of whom the Gamecocks have beaten this season. In the other polls, South Carolina is 24th (Top Drawer Soccer) and 28th (College Soccer News Top 30). Also, South Carolina moved to 18th in the latest NCAA Ratings Percentage Index.

Millard played a significant role in both of last week’s wins in Conference USA play. He had the shot that resulted in a handball in the penalty box, setting up the penalty kick for fellow junior and reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Week Danny Deakin for the game-winning goal. Millard also tallied an assist on the goal that came 89 seconds into the match against No. 13 Old Dominion that the Gamecocks ended up winning 3-1. Millard, who moved back to the defensive four at the start of conference play, has helped South Carolina pick up two shutouts since that shift, including Tuesday’s clean sheet against the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense entering the match.

South Carolina hosts No. 11 Coastal Carolina on Sat., Nov. 7 at Stone Stadium. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 6:45 p.m. EST to honor eight Gamecock on Senior Night. Students attending will receive double rewards points for attending the 7 p.m. match.