Gophers come back to beat South Carolina 2-1 in second round of NCAA women’s soccer tournament

Sophia Boman and Sophia Romine scored in the second half to lift the Gophers to a 2-1 victory over South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament on Friday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Gophers (14-4-3) advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament for only the third time in program history and the first time since 2010. On Sunday, the Gophers will play the winner of North Carolina/Santa Clara, who played later Friday.

South Carolina, in the NCAA tournament for the 12th consecutive season, took a 1-0 lead on Katie Shea’s goal in the eighth minute.

Boman’s eighth goal of the season, coming on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, tied the match. Fellow graduate student Romine gave the Gophers the lead 13 minutes later, scoring on a shot from nearly 30 yards out on her fifth goal of 2024.

In the Gophers’ 2-0 victory over South Dakota State in the first round on Nov. 15, Boman scored both goals in the second half, one on a penalty kick.

Gophers sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Martin made one save as the Gophers had an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal.

South Carolina defeated East Carolina 6-0 in the first round.