Sunday morning will see the Colorado State Rams open their non‑conference schedule with a much‑anticipated showdown against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, kicking off at 11:30 a.m. on the Rams’ home turf at the CSU Soccer Field.
A Historic Meeting
South Carolina, meanwhile, brings a modest but promising start, having earned 11 votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and relying on senior transfer Sydney Middaugh, who tops the Gamecocks’ scoring chart with two goals this season.
Middaugh’s journey to Columbia includes a standout collegiate career at Saint Mary’s, where she netted ten goals in 2025, and she now looks to translate that experience into a breakthrough performance against the Rams.
Coaching Legacy
Veteran Coach Shelly Smith, who has been at the helm of South Carolina for 26 seasons and boasts a career record of 327‑145‑72, will be looking to add another chapter to a résumé that already includes numerous conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
This match marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, a milestone that adds a layer of excitement for fans and analysts alike, especially as both teams prepare for a series of road trips that will test their early‑season mettle.
Key Defensive Stats
Statistically, the Rams have excelled on set pieces, ranking among the conference leaders with 18 corner kicks, while goalkeeper Addison Huber maintains a 1.33 goals‑against average and a .714 save percentage, providing a solid last line of defense.
Midfielders Kaja Dionne and Ava Wallhead have also contributed a goal and an assist each, with Dionne’s nine shots placing her among the Pac‑12’s top performers, while Wallhead’s two goals and four points in three appearances underscore her offensive impact.
Looking ahead, the Rams will travel to Provo to meet Brigham Young on September 3, a game that could further shape their non‑conference narrative before they reconvene with South Carolina’s next opponent, Wyoming, later in the week.