Kentucky Women’s Soccer Upsets No. 8 South Carolina in Thrilling Home Finale

The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team delivered a stunning performance Thursday night. They defeated the eighth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks 3-2. This crucial victory marked the team’s final home match of the regular season. It was a significant upset that energized the home crowd.

The win snapped a three-match winless streak for the Wildcats in SEC play. According to UKAthletics.com, it was the program’s third win over a Top 25 team this season. This is the most such victories for Kentucky since 2006.

Kentucky Secures Decisive Early Lead

Kentucky’s offense was potent from the opening whistle. Kendall Campbell scored the first goal with a header in the ninth minute. The assist came from teammate Anna Sikorski.

Thalia Morisi extended the Wildcats’ lead just five minutes later. She netted her fourth goal of the season, making it 2-0. The early pressure was relentless.

Gabi Poretto scored the team’s third goal on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Tanner Strickland. This gave Kentucky a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime.

South Carolina Rally Falls Short in SEC Clash

South Carolina managed to score before the half. They found the net in the 40th minute to make it 3-1. The Gamecocks continued to press in the second half.

They scored again in the 79th minute from a penalty kick. This cut the Kentucky lead to just one goal. The Wildcats’ defense held strong for the remaining minutes.

This victory was Kentucky’s first over South Carolina since 2014. It also handed the Gamecocks their first loss in conference play this season. The win is the highest-ranked victory for head coach Troy Fabiano in his four-year tenure.

The Wildcats have now recorded back-to-back 10-win seasons. This achievement has not been accomplished since the 2013-14 seasons. The team’s record improved to 10-4-2 overall and 4-2-2 in the SEC.

This major upset provides a massive momentum boost for Kentucky women’s soccer as they head into the final stretch of the season. The team’s resilience against a top-ten opponent signals a promising outlook for the upcoming SEC Tournament.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. South Carolina soccer match?

The final score was 3-2. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in a closely contested match at The Bell.

Who scored the goals for Kentucky in the upset win?

Kendall Campbell, Thalia Morisi, and Gabi Poretto each scored for Kentucky. Poretto’s goal came from a penalty kick in the first half.

When is Kentucky’s next women’s soccer game?

The team finishes the regular season on the road. They play at LSU on Sunday, October 19th, and at Texas A&M on Sunday, October 26th.

How many ranked teams has Kentucky beaten this season?

This was Kentucky’s third win over a Top 25 team this year. This is the most for the program in a single season since 2006.

Where will the SEC Soccer Tournament be held?

The SEC Tournament is scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 2nd. It will be held in Pensacola, Florida.