D'Angelo. defense keys to 7-1 start for No. 14 South Carolina
After closing out its non-conference schedule, South Carolina’s women’s soccer team is now shifting its focus to conference play.
The Gamecocks hope to continue their momentum and start SEC play off right when they take on Auburn Sunday. South Carolina (7-1) will begin its conference journey riding a three-game winning streak.
The team will look to its defense to continue playing a crucial role in its overall performance, as it has been a guiding force through the first eight games. For the second consecutive year, the defense has only given up one goal in non-conference play. The lone score came against a loss to Clemson, who had scored 18 goals in four games leading up to its matchup with the Gamecocks.
If South Carolina can continue to shut out opponents, it will be impressive in a tough SEC. Besides the Gamecocks at No. 14, the conference boasts three other nationally ranked teams, along with a few teams on the cusp. Florida and Texas A&M have spots at No. 7 and No. 11 respectively, while No. 24 Georgia recently worked its way into the top-25 after an impressive 5-1-1 start.
The Gamecocks still have goals to accomplish, but the team’s performance thus far has given head coach Shelly Smith reason to be happy.
“It’s a whole team effort and I’m just proud of the organization and the way they’ve stayed together," she said. "And even when we’ve substituted players, they’ve given us good minutes."
South Carolina’s defensive performance is enough reason to say it has a chance to contend for a conference championship. With senior goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo leading the defense, South Carolina is the only SEC team that hasn’t given up more than three goals this year and is one of three Division I teams to allow only one goal. D'Angelo, who was recently named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, has been monumental for her team's success with seven shutouts. The most clean sheets any other team has is the conference is four.
Smith praised her entire team for being stout on defense.
“They’ve been very solid — we have good experience in our backline and our goalkeeper," Smith said. “As they’ll tell you it’s everyone in front of them, it takes all eleven of them to really continue to keep team shutouts.”
The Gamecocks’ ability to limit scoring opportunities for opponents could finally push the team to its ultimate goal — an SEC championship. The task won’t be easy, as South Carolina boasted an impressive (17-4-2, 8-2-1 SEC) record last season and still weren't crowned conference champions. Texas A&M won the SEC Championship last season and are in the mix for it again this year, while Florida and Georgia also seem to have a good chance at a conference title.
Home-field advantage could be beneficial to the Gamecocks, and they'll play at home for their matchups against the Bulldogs and Gators. South Carolina will also have Mississippi and LSU visit Stone Stadium, two squads that have a shot to compete with the best of the conference.
As the Gamecocks prepare for the grind of a conference schedule, the offense will need to capitalize when given the opportunity. The team is averaging around two goals per game, using defensive stops to transition into offensive chances. Smith knows what she has in her defense and said the team will continue to use it to help their offensive game plan.
“We continue to stay on them to be organized and work hard defensively,” Smith said. “A good defensive pressure and effort will lead to our offense.”