Spartans to Battle Patriots and Bulldogs in Week Four Action
9/6/2012 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. - With rain keeping the USC Upstate women's soccer team off the field for a full week, the Spartans now turn their attention to a road contest at Francis Marion before coming home to battle Gardner-Webb in a rescheduled game due to inclement weather.
The Patriots of Francis Marion have not won or lost consecutive games this season, while Gardner-Webb is still searching for its first victory heading into the weekend. Upstate is 2-4-2 all-time against the Patriots, while posting a winless mark in six tries against the Bulldogs.
Fans wishing to check out the action can follow live in-game statistics at Francis Marion by clicking here, and against Gardner-Webb by clicking here.
Quick Hits
Shutout City: Gardner-Webb has struggled offensively this fall as they have failed to score a goal in its first three games and have recorded just eight shots on goal in 270 minutes of action. While the defense has allowed seven goals, included just one to Wofford, the Bulldogs will need to generate some offensive firepower to pick up their first win of the year.
Inconsistent in 2012: The Patriots have been all over the map in 2012, posting a win, loss and a tie and not winning or losing consecutive games on the year. It appears FMU can turn the switch on and off with a 3-0 loss at Coastal Carolina to open the season before putting a 3-0 beating on Alabama State. The Spartans will attempt to hand Francis Marion back-to-back losses for the first time this season, while the Patriots are looking to continue their Jekyll and Hyde ways with a win.
Building for the Future: Five games into the season, the Spartans are eying the future as first-year head coach Abby Minihan continues to thrust freshmen and sophomores into the starting lineup. The rookie duo of Alexa Hone and Courtney Reilly have started every contest so far, while six other freshmen have received the starting nod this fall. Of the 55 starting slots in five games this season, freshmen or sophomores have filled 40 of those positions. The Production tells the story as well, as six of the eight points recorded by the Spartans have been by a player with at least two years of eligibility remaining at the end of the season. Without a single senior on the roster, these youngsters will get plenty of chances to feel their way out as the season rolls on.
About the Opponents
FRANCIS MARION PATRIOTS (2-2-1)
Matchup: Fri., Sept. 7, 7:00 PM • Hartzler Field
Live Stats: www.fmupatriots.com • Live Video: Ustream.tv
Head Coach: Frank Pitt (UAB, '94)
Record at ASHEVILLE: 2-2-1 (1st season)
GARDNER-WEBB BULLDOGS (0-3-0)
Matchup: Tues., Sept. 11, 7:00 PM • County University Stadium
Live Stats: www.upstatespartans.com •
Head Coach: Kevin Mounce (Sue Bennett, '93)
Tenure at GWU: 114-122-23 (14th season)
