Women’s soccer kicks off Gamecocks’ fall sports home schedule with win over USF

Between move-in weekend and the start of classes Tuesday, the South Carolina campus came alive Sunday evening at Stone Stadium as a crowd of 5,300 watched the Gamecocks women’s soccer team kick off the home athletics calendar with a win.

“So thankful always for the fans and the students that come out,” coach Shelley Smith said. “When you have that kind of support in the stands, it’s fun to play in front of, it’s exciting and it keeps our team going.”

The No. 21 Gamecocks defeated South Florida 3-1. South Carolina outshot the Bulls 15-10. USC is now 2-0-0 after a win at Charleston in its season opener Thursday.

USC came out aggressive on offense, specifically in counterattacks, with multiple near-goals in the opening minutes. The Gamecocks converted in the ninth minute as senior midfielder Kinley Brown ricocheted in a pass junior defender Amanda Patrick made into a hectic crowd in front of the USF net.

“As long as you’re putting yourself in those dangerous situations, you’re going to eventually get one,” Smith said.

South Florida’s most dangerous chance came in the 34th minute. Forward Hedda Ornberg took an open shot that was deflected wide left by USC senior goalkeeper Christina Tsaousis. The Bulls controlled possession to close the first half but couldn’t convert and even the score.

USC nearly added a second goal in the 48th minute when sophomore Katie Shea Collins connected with her freshman striking partner, Mackenzie Johnson, in front of goal. Johnson couldn’t make solid contact and sent the ball wide right.

The Bulls scored the equalizer in the 52nd minute after Tsaousis lost control of the ball at her feet and allowed forward Mia Rodach to score easily.

“We should’ve had a shutout, it just wasn’t in the cards for tonight,” Smith said. “I’m glad to be on the other end of the goals.”

Collins had a pair of chances to regain the lead shortly after but missed both just narrowly. She would not be denied for long.

She dribbled the ball into the USF’s box in the 62nd minute, had a shot saved, then rebounded Madden McDonald’s shot and fired a goal into the top-right corner for a 2-1 lead.

“We weren’t OK with a tie at the end of the game, so we just put our heads down,” Collins said.

One goal wasn’t enough for Collins. She completed a brace in the 80th minute, assisted by Johnson, to make it a 3-1 lead for USC. South Florida couldn’t muster any more dangerous chances as South Carolina closed out the win.

“I was really excited for [Johnson] to come in,” Collins said. “She’s an incredible player. ... And even though I’m a sophomore, whatever I say, she’s ready to listen.”

The Gamecocks are at home again Thursday at 7 p.m. (SEC Network) for the first ranked matchup of the season against No. 18 Ohio State. The Buckeyes drew with Clemson 1-1 in their season opener.

“We want to play teams that are going to challenge us,” Smith said. “We belong in the Top 25 and we want to continue to prove that.”

First USC home events

• Women’s soccer: Aug. 17 (USC 3, USF 1)
• Volleyball: 6 p.m. Aug. 29 vs. ETSU
• Men’s soccer: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 vs. USC Upstate
• Football: 7 p.m. Sept. 6 vs. S.C. State
• Equestrian: 11 a.m. Sept. 26 vs. SMU

This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 9:17 PM.