Final
PENSACOLA, Fla.– No. 6 Texas A&M advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 SEC Soccer Tournament with an 1-0 upset win over the reigning SEC Soccer Tournament Champions No. 3 South Carolina at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.
After dominating most of the game, the Aggies were able to capitalize with the game winner from midfielder Sydney Becerra’s fancy goal.
When these teams met on Oct. 19, South Carolina came away with the close 1-0 victory, but this time it was Texas A&M’s turn.
The first shot of the game came from South Carolina as Shae O’Rourke’s nifty moves created space, but her attempt was high and wide right.
About halfway through the first half, the Gamecocks started to settle in and find opportunities for first team All-SEC midfielder Cat Berry but she wasn’t able to get her header and long-range strike on frame.
Texas A&M’s best opportunity came in the 38th minute as Carissa Boeckman sent a through ball to MaKhiya McDonald but goalie Heather Hinz was quick off of her line to shut down the opportunity.
First Half Quick Facts:
Texas A&M’s Maile Hayes came out firing with a threatening service across the six-yard box but Hinz was able to deflect it to get it out of the danger zone.
The Aggies continued to keep the Gamecocks on their heels for the first 15 minutes of the half and almost got on the scoreboard with Boeckmann’s shot that curved around the post.
Anchored by SEC Defender of the Year Gracie Falla, the Gamecocks were able to hold stout until the 79th minute, when the Aggies finally broke through. Becerra intercepted a pass then knifed through the defense and hit a shot with the outside of her foot to bend it into the back post for the Texas A&M lead, 1-0.
Soon after, South Carolina almost leveled the score as O’Rourke’s shot was denied by the post.
South Carolina was handed its first conference loss of the season.
Second Half Quick Facts:
Scoring Summary:
79′ | TAMU – Sydney Becerra, 1-0
Up Next:
No. 6 Texas A&M will take on the SEC East Division champions No. 2 Georgia on Thursday (11/2) at 8:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
The Gamecocks will return to Columbia and await the results of the NCAA Tournament Selection show on Monday, Nov. 6.
