The No. 12 Gamecock women's soccer team (9-1-2) defeated the Oklahoma Sooners (8-3-1) in a 2-0 shutout at John Crain Field on Friday night.
The first half was consumed by back-and-forth action between the Gamecock defense and the Sooners' offense. The Sooners were stalled by the Gamecocks after a series of deflected corner kicks and missed shot attempts that ultimately favored the Gamecocks in counterattacks.
The Sooners led the half in shot attempts (5-4); however none of them were able to reach the back of the Gamecock net. The Gamecock defense was able to see through the Sooners' play strategy and rise to the challenge of not allowing any goals from its opponent.
The first half ended with no score, with the Sooners still leading in shot attempts and free kick opportunities.
The second half began with a corner kick from the Gamecocks that followed through into a goal by sophomore forward Katie Shea Collins with an assist from sophomore midfielder Kylie Cino, leaving the score 1-0 in the 56th minute.
Senior defender Taylor Bloom scored the second goal of the night as a result of another corner kick from the Gamecocks. Bloom's goal was scored less than a minute after the goal by Collins.
The second half continued, leaving the Sooners unanswered after a series of missed shot attempts. The Sooners' last corner kick of the night found itself under review due to concerns of a handball from the Gamecock defense. However, no call was made on the video review.
The Gamecocks sealed the win with a consistent defensive strategy, snapping the Sooners' eight-game home winning streak that began last season.
Defense on top
South Carolina found itself utilizing defensive skills again tonight against the aggressive offense of Oklahoma. The Gamecocks were able to push back against their opponents, using swift passing maneuvers resulting in frequent counterattacks.
The Gamecocks were also able to sweep the ball across the field in long plays while keeping it away from the Sooners' attack. The Gamecocks deflected all of the Sooners' shot attempts and corner kicks, controlling the ball swiftly in their own defensive territory.
Least offensive strategy
The Gamecocks complemented their use of heavy defense with offensive plays that came during the least expected times. Both goals from the Gamecocks came from corner kicks that were heavily guarded by the Sooners' defense.
The Gamecocks continued to be at the right place at the right time throughout the game, allowing them to get ahead of the Sooners. The Gamecocks' offensive timing allowed them to make strong offensive plays, including the header from Collins for the first goal, leaving the Sooners with no goals to show for.
Blooming in the field
Bloom was a force to be reckoned with against the Sooners. She scored her second goal of the season, allowing Gamecock leverage in the second half.
Bloom had multiple collisions with the Sooners' offense but had no trouble getting her head back into the game and continuing to play with her teammates. Her resilient playing style and ability to make tough offensive plays proved to be a valuable source of momentum for the Gamecocks.
What's next?
The Gamecock women's soccer team will face the Arkansas Razorbacks at Stone Stadium on Oct. 2. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and ESPN-U.