COLUMBIA, SC ? Unable to get much offense going, the Kentucky women?s soccer team (6-3-2, 0-3-0 SEC) dropped its third straight match in conference play losing on the road to No. 20 South Carolina (9-3-0, 1-2-0) 2-0.

For the second straight match the Wildcats fell behind 1-0. The Gamecocks took the first lead in the 17th minute, when Mary Worthen took a pass from Danila Monteiro and centered it up for Ashley Kirk who pushed it past Wildcat goalie Sydney Hiance just inside the right post.

The Gamecocks controlled the tempo in the first half outshooting the Wildcats 8-2 while controlling the ball in Kentucky?s zone for the majority of the first 45 minutes.

South Carolina threatened to extend their lead in the 49th minute off a set piece. Brittiny Rhoades took a free kick from just outside the right of the 18-yard box. She sent a pass into the middle to Worthen who chipped a shot at the goal, but quick reflexes by Hiance kept it a one-goal affair.

The Wildcats had their best opportunity at scoring come in the 66th minute. Ashley Stack sent a ball down the far sideline that Sarah Gaunt chased down. Gaunt then crossed the ball back in front of the Gamecock goal where Laura Novikoff got a leg on the ball but knocked it off the left post.

South Carolina slammed the door shut with 8:40 left in the match when Monteiro took a pass from Erin Sullivan and buried it just inside the left post for a 2-0 Gamecock lead.

The Wildcats will close out their five-game road stretch on Sunday in Gainesville where they will take on the 25th ranked Florida Gators. Kickoff is scheduled for noon and the match will be televised on SEC-TV as a part of Fox Sports Net.