Friday's MatchUP
September 2, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (1-1-2, 0-0-0 Big South) vs. The Citadel (1-2, 0-0-0 SoCon)
Johnson Hagood Stadium | Charleston, S.C.
Live Stats: citadelsports.com
Watch: South Carolina Upstate vs. The Citadel (W Soccer) | Watch ESPN
Series History
USC Upstate and The Citadel have duked it out seven times since their first match in 2007 in Charleston, S.C. Upstate trails the Bulldogs with an overall record of 2-4-1 in the series. The most recent face-off was during the 2021 season when Upstate fell 2-0 at home.
Players to Watch
Dara Russo continues to be a positive addition to the Spartan Army as the season progresses. Russo scored her first career goal against Hampton last Tuesday as well as posted five shots, three of which were on target, against ETSU last Friday. The freshman leads the Spartans with 14 shots and eight shots on goal. Transfer Nya Baccelli is behind her with nine shots, followed by returning junior, Ashley Finn who has seven shots. Saber has also maintained a consistent midfield with Ellie Arnold, Audrey Baer, and Ashley Finn starting all four games so far. Coach Saber has also had some consistency within his defense with senior, Alaina McKnight starting every game in the center back role while junior, Cora Brendle has started every game in the net.
Last Match
The Spartans most recently fell for the first time this season as ETSU was able to score one goal in the last minutes of the match last Friday. Russo led Upstate with five shots while six other Spartans were able to pull the trigger on goal. Cora Brendle played the full 90 minutes for Upstate and recorded five saves, putting her at 19 on the season.
The Citadel most recently fell 1-0 to Big South competitor, Gardner-Webb, on Sunday night. Despite outshooting GWU 17-10 and having more corner kicks (10-5), the Citadel conceded a goal in the 83 minute of the match. Grace Laws started in the goal for the Bulldogs but Brie Sikes played the majority making three saves. Ashley Frank led the Bulldogs' offense with four shots, while Suzuka Yosue and Jimena Risoto tallied three each.
UP Next for the Spartans
After Upstate plays The Citadel, it will remain on the road to play Furman on Thursday, Sept. 8th, VMI on Saturday, Sept. 17th, and High Point on Wednesday, Sept. 21st.
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 | @UpstateWSoccer
Instagram | @UpstateWSoccer
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