The No. 22 South Carolina women's soccer team defeated the No. 13 Auburn Tigers 2-1 with second half adjustments and improved defense on Sunday afternoon at Stone Stadium.
"Definitely pleased with the performance today," head coach Shelly Smith said. "This was a huge game with a lot riding on it and I think our team rose to the occasion."
Neither team gained a significant advantage over the other in the first half. In the first 45 minutes, South Carolina outshot the Tigers seven to six. The Gamecocks found more success with corner kicks, attempting four to Auburn's two.
The Gamecocks took a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute when sophomore forward and midfielder Autumn Cayelli found senior defender Emma Bucci for a goal.
The Tigers quickly responded with a goal from sophomore forward Jordyn Crosby at the 44th minute of the first half, tying the match at 1-1.
Despite giving up the lead, South Carolina adjusted to Auburn's offensive style in the second half. The Gamecocks made multiple key defensive stops and used the momentum to carry its offense.
The Gamecocks took a 2-1 advantage at the 57th minute when fifth year forward Catherine Barry scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season. Barry's goal proved to be the game-winner, as the Tigers were prevented from scoring for the remainder of the match.
South Carolina's defense steps up
After a strong start to the match, South Carolina's defense gave up a goal late in the first half that tied the match at 1-1. After halftime, the Gamecocks rebounded for a strong defensive performance in the final 45 minutes of play.
"Giving up that goal in the last seconds was hurtful," Smith said. "It was just something that deflates you going into the second half that you shouldn't have to deal with."
While Auburn outshot the Gamecocks 8-5 in the second half, the Tigers failed to take advantage of its opportunities. For the Gamecocks, junior goalkeeper Christina Tsaousis recorded five saves, including three in the second half.
"We want to be able to close out games, so luckily we had another half," Smith said. "We talked about making sure we won that next 45 and holding them."
Gamecocks make halftime adjustments
South Carolina adjusted Auburn's offense in the second half after a back and forth start to the match. Smith said the Gamecocks focused on playing a cleaner match in the final 45 minutes.
"We talked about just being cleaner with some decisions," Smith said. "Clearing our lines, being smart about what we're doing and how we played."
With the score tied early in the second half, the Gamecocks played with more pace and urgency on offense. Smith said her team played with better fundamentals after the halftime break.
"I thought the team did a great job of sliding to win tackles and getting underneath," Smith said. "Those are things that we didn't do always in that first half."
Gamecocks earn ranked win as postseason awaits
South Carolina now has two ranked wins this season with its victory over Auburn. Smith said the win improves South Carolina's NCAA Tournament resume.
"It's huge because it does have implications on NCAA decisions, where you sit among the top teams," Smith said.
The Gamecocks have just one regular season game remaining before beginning postseason play. South Carolina currently sits at fourth place in the SEC, meaning it would receive a first-round bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
"Next week we go to the SEC Tournament," Smith said. "We knew we were going, but now we should have a chance at a top-four (seed) and a first-round bye, which is huge in that event."
What's next?
South Carolina will conclude its regular season on Wednesday at home against No. 3 Mississippi State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and the match will be streamed on SEC Network+.