The South Carolina Gamecock men's soccer program made history this week. For the very first time ever, the program was ranked as the unanimous No. 1 overall team in the country in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I poll.
The Gamecocks received all eight votes for first place, after the team's 7-0 start to the season. The ranking marked the highest ranking for South Carolina since 1987, when the Gamecocks finished the season ranked No. 2 overall. South Carolina started the season with wins over ranked opponents in Clemson, Charlotte, High Point and Old Dominion.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞!
— South Carolina Men's Soccer (@GamecockMSoccer) September 22, 2026
For the first time in program history, the Gamecocks are the 𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦 No. 1 team in the country.
#1 by @UnitedCoaches, #1 @NCAASoccer RPI, #1 by @TopDrawerSoccer #WEareCarolina pic.twitter.com/FSiPW7l06r
But the joy that came from the program after the impressive ranking was quickly overshadowed. That's because on Tuesday evening, the Gamecocks hosted in-state foe Charleston, as the Gamecocks celebrated Senior Night at Stone Stadium.
Charleston struck first in the 27th minute, with a goal by Stian Bendvold. In dramatic fashion with less than 30 seconds left in the first half, Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez headed a ball into the goal to equalize it at 1-1 at halftime. The goal was even initially reviewed for potential offsides, but was upheld.
The game remained 1-1 until Bendvold scored once again in the 85th minute to give Charleston the 2-1 edge. The Gamecocks were unable to equalize, which sealed the upset victory.
Of course, South Carolina will still be a top-ranked team when the polls come out next week. But to lose at home after just becoming the nation's No. 1 team in the land certainly isn't ideal.
South Carolina will get a chance to rebound at home against James Madison on Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
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