The South Carolina women’s soccer team remains undefeated in conference play after tying SEC foe Tennessee 1-1 in double overtime Friday night at Stone Stadium. The Gamecocks have yet to lose a home game, but have now tied twice in a row at home.
Lauren Chang scored the lone goal of the contest for the Gamecocks in the eighth minute and was assisted by Ryan Gareis and Elexa Bahr. The goal is the fifth of the season for the junior midfielder.
“This week we were really trying to work on maximizing our play in the flank and getting chances out of it," Chang said after the game.
And the practice clearly paid off. Chang scored off a pass from Gareis across the front of the box and was able to convert.
Carolina came out of the gates aggressively. Their first corner kick came in the third minute and a five-to-two shot advantage in the first half. The Gamecocks also had physical defensive presence in the first half, tallying six fouls and keeping goalkeeper Mikayla Krzeczowski from having to make a save before halftime.
Tennessee’s MA Vignola scored in the final minute of regulation to force overtime. The two teams then competed for an extra 20 minutes, or two overtime periods. Neither team was able to score despite the opportunities.
"We had put ourselves in chances to go up another goal and we didn’t early on, so that’s the disappointing piece," head coach Shelley Smith said. “It’s a loss in our minds.”
As a result of the tie and Florida defeating Auburn, the Gamecocks now find themselves behind the Gators in the SEC standings.
“The Florida game, especially because it’s away, is gonna be a really tough challenge for us and we’re gonna have to go in ready to give it our all," sophomore defender Jyllissa Harris said.
South Carolina looks to regain some points in the SEC title race when they face Ole Miss at home Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.