SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mother nature decided the suspense hadn't built up enough for Upstate's match with Gardner-Webb two weeks ago, but now both teams are set for what could very well be a pivotal match in the Big-South tournament race.
Gardner-Webb and Upstate are both in an interesting spot in the Big South standings. The teams are just one point apart, with Gardner-Webb sitting in fourth with 8 points and an undefeated conference record (2-0-2). The Spartans are in fifth with 7 points after finding two wins their last two times out (2-1-1 in conference). Every other team around the Runnin Bulldogs and Upstate in the standings have already played 6 conference matches, while both teams featured in Wednesday's match have only played 4 (Longwood has also only played 4, Presbyterian has played 5 and lost to both Gardner-Webb and Upstate).
The winner in Wednesday's match will have the advantage going down the stretch for a spot in the Big South tournament.
The MatchUP
Who: USC Upstate (4-5-3, 2-1-1 Big South) at Gardner-Webb (6-3-2, 2-0-2 Big South)
Where: Greene-Harbison Stadium, Boiling Springs, N.C.
When: 6:00 p.m.
Series History
Gardner-Webb has the edge in the overall series, leading the Spartans 7-4-1 since 2008. The Bulldogs hold a 3-1-0 record against Upstate as Big South conference foes. Upstate's one win against Gardner-Webb in Big South play came at Boiling Springs in 2020.
Last Match
Both teams are coming off of Big South wins, Upstate's being a 2-0 shutout at Longwood. The Running Bulldogs took a 2-1 home win over Presbyterian.
The Six Degrees
There have been four common opponents between the two teams: Furman, Wofford, Presbyterian and ETSU. Upstate holds an undefeated record against those four opponents (2-0-2) while Gardner-Webb fell in a close one a the beginning of the year to Furman, but has wins against the other three (3-1-0). Upstate outscored those four opponents 9-5, while Gardner-Webb outscored them 5-2.
Players to Watch
Andrin Zumbühl is good at this soccer thing. Keep an eye on the reigning Big South Offensive Player of the Week vs Gardner-Webb as he tries to go three matches in a row with a point.
Pablo Diaz had an explosive, two goal game vs Longwood and should be in line to contribute vs the Running Bulldogs.
Jeremy Montero and
Xavi Wences are of course still names to keep an eye on as they are threats to score or create opportunities whenever they have the ball. Keep an eye on
Felipe Marty if/when the Spartans have a free kick opportunity within striking distance.
JOIN UP
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes! Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today!
GET INVOLVED
Want to be a ball kid for USC Upstate Soccer? Kids ages 10 and up can help the Spartans all season long by retrieving game balls on the sidelines during home men's and women's soccer matches at County University Soccer Stadium. Click here for more details.
Keep UP with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateMSoccer @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateMensSoccer @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans
