Five Gamecocks on SEC Preseason Watch List
COLUMBIA, S.C.— Five members of the No. 17 South Carolina women’s soccer team were named to the Southeastern Conference Soccer Preseason Watch List, the league office announced today. Catherine Barry, Lauren Chang, Samantha Chang, Ryan Gareis and Jylissa Harris were among the 60 student-athletes on the list.
Barry, a sophomore forward, had one of the best offensive seasons by a freshman in Gamecock history last season, scoring a team-high six goals to go with four assists for a team-high 16 points. She earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team and the SEC All-Tournament Team.
Midfielder Lauren Chang returns in 2021 for her bonus fifth season after earning All-SEC Second-Team honors and a spot on a United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region team each of the last three seasons. She was the SEC co-Scholar Athlete of the Year last season after leading the team with five assists and tallied a total of nine points.
Redshirt junior midfielder Samantha Chang started 11 of the 14 matches she was available for last season as she was called up to Canada’s Senior National Team twice during the season. Her two goals on the season came on just five shots on goal and included the gamewinner against then-No. 3 Arkansas to give the Gamecocks their second-highest ranked win in program history.
Gareis is a forward also back for her bonus fifth season after registering 21 shots with 13 of those on goal to lead the team in shots on goal percentage (.619) last season. She was a consistent presence on the field, starting 15 of the team’s 16 matches, including the last 11.
Harris comes into her senior season as a two-time All-SEC selection, including first-team honors last season. The dynamic midfielder started every match last season to stretch her consecutive starts streak to 59, dating back to her freshman year. Playing a more defensive position in the 2020-21 season, she still tied for second on the team with 10 points (4G, 2A).
The Gamecocks open the 2021 season on Thu., Aug. 19, at Stone Stadium against The Citadel. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
2021 soccer season tickets are now available. A season ticket includes admission to all twenty home men’s and women’s soccer games at Stone Stadium this fall. Season tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for youth, 17 and under. This year, fans can upgrade their season ticket to include a limited edition Gamecock soccer scarf for an additional $10.
For women’s soccer updates, continue to check back with GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media (@GamecockWSoccer).
