Cats Fall at No. 17/21 South Carolina, 2-0

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Kentucky women’s soccer team (6-4-0, 2-1-0 SEC) fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-1-0, 3-0-0 SEC), 2-0, on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Eugene E. Stone III Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

Two-time Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week Kyla Dawn got to work quickly, recording a shot on goal in the first minute that, ultimately, got blocked by the Gamecocks’ goalkeeper Christina Tsaousis. 

Despite the Gamecocks outshooting the Wildcats 7-3 in the first half, goalkeeper Megan Holland kept South Carolina scoreless, posting three saves.

The battle continued into the second half, remaining neck and neck while trading shots. In the 60th minute, South Carolina senior forward Sydney Middaugh put the Gamecocks on the board. Shortly after, fellow senior forward Autumn Cayelli found the back of the net, bringing South Carolina’s advantage to two in the 67th minute.

Despite another two good looks from Kendall Campbell and Juliette Rayo, the Wildcats were unable to even out the score. South Carolina secured the 11-8 advantage in total shots as well as the 8-5 edge in corner kicks. Both Holland and Tsaousis ended the match with three saves apiece.

Up next, the Wildcats will return home on Sunday, Sept. 27, to take on Mississippi State at 1 p.m. ET. Fans can stream this match on SEC Network +.

Admission to all 2026 Kentucky Soccer regular season home matches will be free to the public. For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Facebook, Instagram, X and at UKathletics.com.