COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina (10-1-4) continued their impressive season with a commanding 5-1 victory over Texas (3-10-1) on Thursday evening in SEC conference play. The Gamecocks controlled the match from start to finish, extending their unbeaten streak to three games.
Katie Shea Collins led the scoring parade with two goals, finding the net in the 33rd and 77th minutes. Cuyler Zulauf opened the scoring in the 24th minute off an assist from Collins, while Anna Young added another in the 41st minute with Collins and Alexa Pino providing the setup. Reagan Schubach extended South Carolina's lead in the 66th minute before Annie Gnidula scored Texas's lone goal in the 67th minute.
The first half showcased South Carolina's offensive prowess as they dominated possession and created multiple scoring chances. The Gamecocks' pressure resulted in three shots on target before Zulauf's breakthrough. Texas struggled to maintain possession, managing just two shots in the opening period, with Amalia Villarreal's attempt in the 5th minute being their best opportunity.
South Carolina maintained their momentum after the break, with Collins orchestrating the attack. Texas showed brief signs of life following Gnidula's goal, assisted by Ava McDonald, but the Gamecocks quickly reasserted control. Key substitutions by South Carolina, including the introduction of Autumn Cayelli and Taylor Bloom in the 79th minute, helped maintain their attacking intensity.
The final statistics reflected South Carolina's dominance, as they outshot Texas 17-8, with nine shots on target compared to Texas's three. Both teams earned three corner kicks, while the Gamecocks' goalkeeper recorded four saves to Texas's two. The match saw relatively clean play, with no cards issued to either side.
Katie Shea Collins was the standout performer with her two-goal performance and assist, while Alexa Pino contributed two assists in a dynamic attacking display. For Texas, Ava McDonald showed moments of promise, creating several attacking opportunities and providing the assist for Gnidula's goal.
Tactically, South Carolina's high-pressing approach disrupted Texas's attempts to build from the back, forcing numerous turnovers in dangerous positions. The Gamecocks' fluid movement in the final third, particularly between Collins and Pino, consistently created spaces in Texas's defensive structure.
The victory maintains South Carolina's strong position near the top of the conference standings, while Texas's struggles continue with their third consecutive loss. The Gamecocks' ability to convert chances efficiently while maintaining defensive solidarity suggests they're hitting form at the right time in the season.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will aim to extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Kentucky on October 16, while Texas returns home to host Georgia on the same date, seeking to end their losing streak. The Gamecocks' comprehensive performance indicates they'll be a formidable opponent in the upcoming conference matches.