Spartanburg, S.C. — The USC Upstate men's soccer team fell to UNC Asheville 1-0 in front of a crowd of nearly 330 fans at County University Soccer Stadium on Saturday night.
With the loss USC Upstate falls to 1-6 on the season and 0-1 in Big South competition. Meanwhile, UNC Asheville improves to 2-6-1 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
In the opening half of play, the Spartans dominated in all areas of the match. In the attacking half of play, the Spartans were able to record 9 total shots. On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans stood strong and did not allow a shot on goal until the 29th minute of the match. This would be the only shot of the half that UNC Asheville would have.
Pol Monells was the star of the first half seeming to be involved in every Spartan attacking opportunity. Monells first shot came from a through ball from Pascall Corvino that Monells dribbled through numerous Bulldogs defenders but was not able to capitalize on the opportunity.
The Spartans continued their offensive pursuit in another opportunity by Monells who dribbled across the 18-yard box and took a powerful shot on goal that was saved by UNC Asheville's goalkeeper, Jarett Payne.
Going into the half, the Spartans had a total of 9 shots with 4-of the-9 shots being on goal.
Luca Bulfon only recorded one save this half due to the strong first-half performance from the Spartans. There was one yellow card issued in the opening half of play.
After the halftime break, Corvino immediately noticed that the goalkeeper was a bit far out of the box and attempted a shot as soon as the whistle blew. The shot nearly caught the Bulldogs by surprise but Payne was able to make the save. The Spartans continued their search for a goal to give them their first conference win as Corvino continued to apply pressure on the Bulldogs with yet another shot that was saved.
The Spartans were dominating the match with 55% of possession and 23 total shots but the ball just did not want to go into the net for the Spartans. While the Spartans were searching for a goal, they were caught off guard by a breakaway run from UNC Asheville's Nate Evan's that put the Bulldogs up 1-0 over the Spartans.
USC Upstate gave it their all to find the equalizer but on every offensive attack the ball sailed wide or high. The clock ran out before the Spartans were able to score a goal.
STATS OF THE MATCH
NEXT UP
- The Spartans will be at home at County University Soccer Stadium against Gardner Webb. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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