Gamecocks to host Oregon State for 2026 Opener

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina women’s soccer team is ready to kick off the 2026 campaign with a matchup against Oregon State at home in Stone Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7:00 p.m. The game will be streamed live on SECN+. 2026 will mark the 30th year overall for head coach Shelley Smith’s career.

LAST TIME OUT

The Gamecocks took on Wake Forest in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, falling just short 2-1, with returning senior Cuyler Zulauf scoring the lone goal in the 64th minute. The NCAA appearance was the 19th overall for the program, and marked the 13th consecutive season the Gamecocks have made the postseason run. The Gamecocks rounded out the season 10-5-5, reaching as high as No. 8 in the country, and appearing in the SEC Tournament for the 20th time. The 2025 season was also the 25th for coaching duo Shelley and Jamie Smith.

SCOUTING THE BEAVERS

Wednesday’s matchup will be the first in program history against Oregon State. The Gamecocks will see a familiar face across the pitch, with head coach Caroline Kelly returning to Columbia as a former Gamecock. Kelly used her final year of eligibility in front of the net in 2015, appearing in 15 matches with 12 starts after transferring from Virginia Tech. She sported a 6-4-3 overall record and notched two shutouts on the year, and tallied a team-best 34 saves.

The Beavers head into 2026 with a previous record of 2-12-5, grabbing victories over Utah and conference foe San Diego with a season-high of four goals. Senior Adele Schwab returns as the leading scorer for Oregon State, netting two goals in the 2025 season.

FAN INFO

Fans can follow along with in-game updates on X and Instagram, @GamecockWSoccer.

Parking will be available in the grass lot, located behind Athletics Village Garage, and in metered spots around the stadium.