Spartans Set to Open A-Sun Schedule This Weekend
9/19/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Beall, dbeall@uscupstate.edu
Upstate Game Notes | A-Sun Game Notes
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate women's soccer team opens Atlantic Sun Conference action this weekend as they play host to Florida Gulf Coast University on Friday evening, before welcoming Stetson University to town on Sunday afternoon.
The Spartans are a combined 0-8-2 against the two clubs, posting 0-4-1 marks against each program since joining the league in 2007. Upstate has never won its conference opener as it looks to do Friday against the two-time A-Sun regular season champion Eagles.
Fans wishing to check out the action can follow live in-game statistics through the PrestoSports Primetime Network or watch a live video stream at A-Sun.tv.
Quick Hits
Championship Quest: Florida Gulf Coast has plenty of hype attached its squad as it begins conference play as the two-time A-sun regular season champions looking to three-peat and create a dynasty. Since joining the league in 2007, the Eagles lead the A-Sun with 33 wins and have never lost a conference opener, posting a 3-0-2 mark in five years.
Hatter Magic: Despite posting a record just one game over the .500 mark in A-Sun play over the last three seasons, the Hatters are one of three schools in the league to score 50 or more goals during that span. The Hatters are second on that list with 57 behind FGCU (60).
Overtime Heroics: The Spartans have won a pair of games this season and used plenty of dramatics to do so. Last week against Presbyterian a double overtime scoreless tie was just six minute away, but Rebecca Sanzsole's strike from 35 yards out gave the transfer her first score in a Spartan uniform and handed Upstate its second double overtime victory.
Bright Spot: Freshman stopper Ellen Bright provided a much needed spark in goal for the Spartans last Sunday as she recorded nine saves in her collegiate debut to shutout Presbyterian and pick up her first victory. Her efforts were rewarded when she was named the Coca-Cola Spartan of the Week.
Follow Upstate women's soccer all season long on your mobile device, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About the Opponents
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY EAGLES (5-2-2, 0-0-0 A-Sun)
Matchup: Fri., Sept. 21, 5:00 PM • County University Stadium
Live Stats: www.upstatespartans.com • Live Video: Asun.TV
Head Coach: Jim Blankenship (FIU, '82)
Overall Record: 303-98-23 (18th season) • Record at FGCU: 62-27-12 (6th season)
STETSON UNIVERSITY HATTERS (2-6-0, 0-0-0 A-Sun))
Matchup: Sun., Sept. 23, 1:00 PM • County University Stadium
Live Stats: www.upstatespartans.com • Live Video: Asun.TV
Head Coach: Julie Orlowski (FIU, '91)
Overall Record: 126-165-22 (18th season) • Record at SU: 91-111-18 (12th season)
