The South Carolina women’s soccer team continued their winning ways Sunday afternoon, defeating East Carolina 1-0.
Christa Neary scored the winning goal for the Gamecocks in the 67th minute to move South Carolina to 7-0-1 for the season. The goal was Neary’s first of the year. Following a Sophie Groff shot that hit the post, the ball deflected back to Neary just outside the box.
“It was a pass, it was a cross, but if I didn’t go in, Sophie had it so I’m just glad it went in,” Neary said of the goal.
Neary’s pass was just out of the reach of Groff before it curled just inside the far left post. East Carolina goalkeeper Saundra Baron appeared to have her vision blocked by a cluster of players from both teams in the box and got a late break on the ball before it snuck past her.
The Gamecocks outshot the Pirates 17-1, dominating control of the ball throughout the game.
“The fact that we’re putting ourselves in dangerous situations, that’s credit to the players,” South Carolina head coach Shelley Smith said. “I thought they moved the ball well. We’re close. Luckily we got the goal we needed to win the game. That’s what matters.”
The Gamecocks registered six corner kicks while East Carolina (3-3-2) was unable to register any. South Carolina begins the conference season this Friday when they visit Georgia.