SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The USC Upstate men's soccer team won their home opener 2-1 on Sunday evening against the Radford Highlanders at County University Soccer Stadium.
The Spartans struggled to score in the first half of the game, while the Highlanders attempted a few shots. Felipe Baeza (Santiago de Chile, Chile) worked hard to keep Radford from scoring.
However, following a yellow card for Moss Lewis (Wilmington, NC), Pape Oumar Gueye of Radford was able to score the lone goal for the Highlanders at 21:14.
The Highlanders took the lead and kept it for the remainder of the first half, despite three attempted shots by the Spartans. Upstate continued to struggle to take on-target shots at the beginning of the second half.
It was not until 81:34 that Pol Monells (Barcelona, Spain) made the first goal for the Spartans to tie the game. Less than two minutes later, Monells netted the go-ahead goal giving the Spartans a lead with less than seven minutes remaining in the contest.
The Highlanders could not capitalize in the last few minutes of the game leading to the Spartan victory.
STATS OF THE MATCH
- Felipe Baeza had five saves.
- The Spartans outshot the Highlanders by double 14-7. However, the Highlanders had one more shot on goal than the Spartans 6-5.
- The Spartans ended with six corner kicks.
UP next for the Spartans
The Spartans will take on the Furman Paladins in a non-conference match at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.
Keep UP with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateMSoccer @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateMensSoccer @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans
#SpartanArmy -> #JoinUp
