Alabama
5-2-1, 0-1-0
South Carolina
7-1-1, 1-0-0
Paul Ties UA Career Goals Record, Alabama Falls 2-1 to No. 17 South Carolina
9/11/2025 10:24:00 PM | Soccer
Gianna Paul netted the Tide’s lone goal in the match, marking her fifth goal of the season and her 33rd career goal
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –– A goal by Gianna Paul in the 51st minute of the game tied a 20-year-old school record and highlighted the Alabama soccer team (5-2-1, 0-1 SEC) in a 2-1 loss on Thursday to No. 17 South Carolina (7-1-1, 1-0 SEC).
Paul now has 33 career goals at Alabama, tying Libby Probst’s record from 2002-05 as the Tide’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Paul would score less than a minute after the Gamecocks found a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Mackenzie Johnson (6:31) and Katie Shea Collins (49.50).
Gallery: 09-11-25 WSO vs South Carolina
From Head Coach Wes Hart
“Disappointed with the result tonight. I thought we played well. Each time out, we look to dominate ball possession, territory and chances. I believe we did that tonight. We had some great looks at goal. Unfortunately, we just weren’t sharp enough to finish most of them. I’m proud of the effort and fight we showed until the final whistle. If we continue to play like that, I believe we will win a lot of games."
How It Happened
- After a breakaway stop by Alabama’s goalkeeper Madi Munguia, a deflected ball bounced towards the center of the field where Mackenzie Johnson would strike and find the back of the net for South Carolina
- Despite trailing 1-0, the Tide paced the opening half 7-5 in shots, forcing Christina Tsaousis to come up with three saves for USC
- A ball from Kinley Brown through the backline gave Katie Shea Collins the chance to net South Carolina’s second goal less than five minutes into the second half
- Just 22 second later, Larkin Thomason fought to gain control of a ball in center field, before playing it forward to Paul who was running towards the box
- The UA senior would place her shot inside the back corner to put UA on the scoreboard
- Despite the loss, Alabama dominated the game 20-8 in shots as both teams tallied five attempts on frame
- Munguia registered three saves in the match, while Tsaousis had a total of four for the Gamecocks
- Paul’s goal was her fifth of the season and 33rd of her career
- Paul and Libby Probst, 2002-05, now share the title as Alabama’s leading goal scorers
- With her goal in the game, Paul is tied for fifth in the Southeastern Conference for total goals and eighth in total points (12) this season
Next
- Alabama remains home on Sunday, hosting Lipscomb
- The Tide’s match against the Bison is set to kick off a 1 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
- The game is also Alabama’s annual Pups at the Pitch match where fans can watch the Crimson Tide with their pups
- All fans must sign a waiver if they plan on bringing their dogs to the game
Team Stats
Mackenzie Johnson (5)
GOAL by USC Johnson, Mackenzie.
06:31
Katie Shea Collins (4)
Assisted By: Kinley Brown
GOAL by USC Collins, Katie Shea Assist by Brown, Kinley.
49:50
Gianna Paul (5)
Assisted By: Larkin Thomason
GOAL by UA Paul, Gianna Assist by Thomason, Larkin.
50:12
