SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Just how much does history play a role in deciding a match? We'll probably find out tomorrow afternoon as the USC Upstate Spartans host a Presbyterian team that's rolling through the season.
The MatchUP
Who: Presbyterian (7-1-2, 1-0-2 Big South) at USC Upstate (2-5-3, 0-1-1 Big South)
Where: County University Soccer Stadium; Spartanburg, S.C.
When: 4:00 p.m.
Series History
The series is led by the Spartans, who have taken 8 of the 14 matches played since 2008. Since joining the Big South in 2018, the matches have gone to the benefit of the home team. Presbyterian hasn't won in Spartanburg since 2008, with both Big South contests in Spartanburg being solid wins in the favor of Upstate (3-0 in 2018, 5-1 in Spring of 2021). Upstate leads the goal differential 33 – 19.
Last Match
Neither team found the result they were looking for the last time out as the Spartans fell to a Radford team that's now finding itself in the thick of the Big South race. Presbyterian has tied their last two matches, 1-1 vs UNC Asheville and 0-0 vs High Point.
The Six Degrees
Upstate and Presbyterian have shared several opponents on the season. They've both played Clemson, ETSU, Wofford, and Radford. Upstate went 1-2-1 against those four opponents, while Presbyterian went 3-1. Both teams beat Wofford (UPST won 4-2, Presbyterian won 3-2) and both teams lost at #1 Clemson (UPST lost 2-0, Presbyterian lost 4-0).
Players to Watch
The scoreboard didn't show it, but the Spartans had a good offensive outing vs Radford, firing 12 shots on goal, by far their highest total of the season.
Jeremy Montero led the way with 4 SOGs, with
Xavi Wences following up with 2. Both of those Spartans will need to contribute consistently and put pressure on the Presbyterian defense to create opportunities. The Spartan backline consisting of Kasper
Jørgensen and
Felipe Marty played the full 90 minutes vs Radford.
Carson Hickok saw his first game action since Campbell and should be in line to contribute again vs Presbyterian.
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