Women's Soccer Preview: Gamecocks Ready to Run
An experienced South Carolina women’s soccer team looks to pick up where it left off. After advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and posting a 12-3-6 record and 5-0-5 mark in SEC play, head coach Shelley Smith begins her 24th season in Columbia with the hopes of maintaining their hallmark defensive play with a more potent offense.
The Gamecocks return five fifth-year seniors including All-American forward Cat Barry (9 goals, 5 assists) as well as starters Corinna Zullo [pictured above] (2 goals, 3 assists), Hallie Meadows, and Bri Behm (1 goal, 3 assists). Second year players Brinley Murphy (1 goal) and Reagan Schubach (6 goals, 1 assist) played well as rookies despite injuries that limited their time.
There is also valuable experience in the midfield with returning seniors Lily Render (4 goals, 1 assist) and Megan Spiehs (1 goal, 3 assists).
“Cat Barry is a returning captain,” Smith said. “She’d like to play professionally, and we want to help give her that opportunity if we can. She wants to keep learning and becoming stronger as a player. She wants to leave her mark. She and the other seniors know what to expect; the fitness that is required, the demands, the tactical piece, and all the things that go with having players with that experience.
“I think we have a lot more depth this year. There are a lot of options.”
“I think we have a lot more depth this year. There are a lot of options. I think we have more players who can create in the final third with their pace and ability to finish. Cat and the other seniors know what to expect, the fitness required, the demands, the tactical piece, and all the things that go with having experience.”
Defensively, Carolina returns Meadows and junior Gracie Falla (2 goals), who earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors last season, but the Gamecocks need to find a new starter in goal. Sophomore Christina Tsaousis, who played in three games last year, and Bucknell transfer Jenna Hall, who was a two-time Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, are among the candidates competing between the posts. South Carolina led the SEC with 13 shutouts last season.
“Hallie is a very good leader and organizer,” Smith said. “Gracie is taking on that responsibility more and more. I’m excited for them to pair up again and lead the team in the back.”
South Carolina also signed a strong freshman class that includes U.S. U19 National Team member Katie Shae Collins, who was Tennessee’s Gatorade High School Player of the Year, Kylie Cino, who was South Carolina’s Gatorade High School Player of the Year, and top-50 player Avery Galante from Massachusetts.
Smith is counting on the veteran players to help bring along the newcomers so they can make an impact by providing even more depth throughout the lineup.
“Experience is valuable, Smith said. “You use that and adjust as you go. Every year, it’s a new team. We’ve had a culture that’s been phenomenal, and our players have carried that on which makes things easier. It’s more enjoyable every year.”
The Gamecocks open the season at home this Sunday at 7 p.m. against Furman. Click here for the full schedule.
