Box Score Game Box (PDF)
Spartanburg, S.C. – Despite a goal from USC Upstate standout Dave Musambi, USC Upstate fell behind early and dropped a 3-1 decision to crosstown rival Wofford Wednesday night in non-conference men's soccer action at County University Soccer Stadium.
Upstate (0-4-1) will take several days off from competition before traveling down Interstate 85 to battle nationally-ranked Clemson next Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Riggs Field. Wofford improved to 3-3-1 on the year with the win.
Wofford struck first in the game, netting a goal in the sixth minute. After a long throw in from the right side, Matthew Aurednik gained control on the left side of the box. Aurednik took a shot that was saved by Upstate keeper Dani Alvarado. However, the ball skipped off of Alvarado's hands and Connor Davis took control and put the shot into the net for a 1-0 Terrier lead.
Wofford used the long throw-in ability of Billy Padula to put a second score on the board in the 33rd minute to open a 2-0 lead. Padula took a throw-in from the left sideline and sent a line drive across the goal mouth. Alvarado was able to get a piece of the throw-in, but Davis was there on the far post to put a header into the net for the goal.
Wofford held an 8-3 lead in shots in the first half. The Terriers also led, 4-1, in corner kicks. Alvarado made three saves to lead the Spartan defense.
After the teams battled throughout the early portion of the second half, Upstate began to mount pressure on Wofford's defense. The Spartans broke through with a penalty kick goal in the 65th minute to get within one of the Terriers, 2-1. Wofford was called for a foul in the box and Dave Musambi converted the penalty kick for his fourth goal of the season.
Just as it looked like Upstate was set to get pressure even more, Wofford regained its two-goal lead on a counter attack. The Terriers sent a ball in from the left and after the teams each got touches on the ball, Carlos Dominguez-Gonzalez collected the loose ball and sent a shot into the upper right 90 from 23 yards out to give Wofford a 3-1 lead in the 68th minute.
Upstate continued to battle to try to get back into the match. However, each time the Spartans took the ball on Wofford's side of the field, the Terriers drew back several players to crowd the field and thwart any real chance Upstate had at developing solid scoring opportunities.
Wofford finished the game with a 12-6 lead in shots. The Terriers placed six shots on goal with Alvarado coming up with three saves for the Spartans. Upstate placed one shot on goal.
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