South Carolina women’s soccer has built a reputation as one of the most consistent programs in the nation, missing the NCAA Tournament just once since 2007. Along the way, the Gamecocks have collected three SEC Tournament titles and made a run to the 2017 College Cup.
But one challenge continues to haunt them: Clemson.
Despite their success against almost everyone else, South Carolina has struggled to topple its in-state rival. The Gamecocks have now gone seven straight meetings without a win over the Tigers. The last six results alone read: loss, loss, loss, tie, tie, tie — and Thursday night’s match only extended the streak to a fourth straight draw.
At Historic Riggs Field, No. 12 South Carolina (4-0-1) and Clemson (1-1-2) battled to a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams producing flashes of danger but ultimately failing to break through.
A Defensive Battle
The opening stages of the match were cagey, with both sides struggling to create clear scoring chances. Through 15 minutes, each team had managed only one shot and one corner. Clemson soon found momentum, applying pressure in front of South Carolina’s net, but the Gamecocks’ back line held firm.
One of the early turning points came when a Clemson shot struck junior midfielder Megan Taitano on the arm inside the box. After a lengthy video review, the referee ruled no handball — allowing the Gamecocks to breathe a sigh of relief.
South Carolina’s best first-half chance came from distance, as junior midfielder Reagan Schubach launched a knuckling effort from nearly 35 yards. Clemson senior goalkeeper Addy Holgorsen was equal to it, tipping the strike away.
Clemson on the Front Foot
The Tigers nearly struck just after halftime. Freshman forward Juju Harris, already establishing herself as Clemson’s most dangerous attacker, rattled the post in the 47th minute. That scare seemed to spark South Carolina back into life.
The Gamecocks responded with a sustained spell of pressure, racking up four corner kicks in a 13-minute span. However, their efforts lacked the finishing touch.
Two fouls just outside the penalty box also handed USC prime opportunities, but both Cuyler Zulauf (60’) and Alexa Pino (69’) blasted their free kicks well over the bar.
As tempers rose, the referee once again leaned on video review. In the 84th minute, Clemson appealed for a penalty after Anna Castenfelt tangled with Gamecock defender Gracie Falla. The replay confirmed no foul. Minutes later, South Carolina wanted a spot kick of its own, but the referee again stuck with his original call.
Palmetto Series Stakes
The draw means South Carolina was unable to score its first point in the 2025–26 Palmetto Series, leaving Clemson with a 1-0 edge after its men’s soccer team defeated USC 4-1 earlier in the week.
The Palmetto Series, sponsored by the South Carolina Education Lottery, tallies points across every sport in which the two schools compete head-to-head. At the end of the academic year, the school with the most points is crowned winner.
South Carolina still holds a 6-1 all-time lead in the competition, having bounced back from its first-ever loss in 2023 to win 7-4 last year. The volleyball matchup between the two programs on Sunday will be the Gamecocks’ next chance to level the score.
What’s Next
South Carolina will now return home to Stone Stadium, where they’ll face Georgia State on Sunday at 6 p.m. The match will be available for streaming on SEC Network Plus.
For the Gamecocks, the hunt for that elusive win over Clemson continues — but their strong start to the season keeps them firmly in the national conversation.
