Gamecocks Set for 49th Palmetto Series Showdown with Clemson
Friday night at Stone Stadium the Gamecocks will welcome their longtime rivals Clemson for the 49th meeting of the Palmetto Series, a rivalry that has defined South Carolina soccer for decades. The two sides will square off for the 16th time at this venue, a milestone that underscores the longevity of the contest.
The series carries a rich history, with Clemson holding a 35‑17‑2 edge over the Gamecocks and outscoring them 104‑60 in all‑time meetings. The most recent encounter ended in a 4‑1 victory for the Tigers, but the Gamecocks have not been far behind, having posted a 2‑0 win in the season opener.
That opening victory was anchored by Loïc Sany Kong, who contributed three goals and two assists in a dominant display. His impact earned him the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honor, highlighting a performance that also saw Angel Lopez and Hugo Febles each reach seven points for the team.
Sany Kong’s brilliance was not an isolated flash; the Gamecocks opened the season with a 2‑0 record and have now won three straight season openers, remaining unbeaten in their last five. The home crowd of 5,489 fans set a benchmark, ranking among the nine largest attendances in program history and reinforcing the team’s national lead in attendance for the fourth consecutive year.
Both squads enter the match with perfect 2‑0 records, the first time since 2017 that such a scenario has unfolded. For South Carolina, the game marks the fifth season under its current Sun Belt Conference schedule, a milestone that reflects steady growth and increasing visibility.
A Tradition That Transcends the Pitch
The Palmetto Series is more than a statistical ledger; it is a cultural touchstone for the state, drawing families, alumni and students alike. The atmosphere at Stone Stadium on Friday is expected to be electric, continuing a tradition that blends fierce competition with community pride.