Spartans Shocked on Senior Day

Saturday, October 19

Spartanburg, S.C.

2:00 p.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

2-10-3, 0-8-1

Gardner-Webb

7-9-1, 6-2-0

Gardner-Webb

USC Upstate 2019

Photo by: Douglas Fairnot

10/19/2019 7:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate women's soccer team was looking to send their senior's out on a positive note on Saturday afternoon but Gardner-Webb spoiled the Spartans fun as they defeated USC Upstate 3-2 at County University Soccer Stadium.

Just moments into the game Gardner-Webb's Jada Newton passed the ball to Stina Kleppe who found Maddie Turlington at the top of the box for the first goal of the game. The Spartan seniors did not seemed phased however, as freshman Alaina McKnight (Williamsburg, Va.) scored the equalizing goal in the fifth minute of the contest.

For the remainder of the half the two squads alternated shots on the other team's goalie. USC Upstate and Gardner-Webb went into the halftime break tied at 1-1 despite the Spartans being outshot 8-3 in the opening 45 minutes of action. The Spartans attempted more corner kicks than the Runnin' Bulldogs at a 6-1 clip. Senior midfielder Abbie Ellis (Clemmons, N.C.) picked up a yellow card in the closing moments of the opening half.

Five minutes into the second half the Spartans once again had an opportunity to score on a set piece. This time seniors Mia Raiff (Dayton, Ohio) connected with Ellis for the go-ahead goal for the Spartans. The celebration was short lived however, as the Runnin' Bulldogs tied the game at two with a goal by Kylie Ameres. Just minutes later Gardner-Webb took the lead off a shot from the top of the box by Newton.

The Spartans gave it their all and attempted to tie the game but time ran out before the USC Upstate offense could find the back of the net.

Stats of the Game

The Spartans were outshot 22-9 overall and 12-6 in shots on goal.
Logan Pace recorded 9 saves in the loss for USC Upstate and Abbie Ellis once again led the Spartans offense with a pair of shots on goal.
The Spartans offense attempted 10 corner kicks in the contest, while Gardner-Webb committed 8 fouls in the contest.
Maddie Turlington led the Gardner-Webb offense with six shots overall and a trio of shots on goal.

Next Up

USC Upstate will take a week off before traveling to Winthrop University to close out the regular season.

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