LEXINGTON, VA. – The Spartans finished out their non-conference match ups with the final game against VMI resulting in a 1-1 tie on Saturday afternoon in Virginia.
Possession was the name of the game as the two teams only had five shots between them in the first 20 minutes of play. VMI had the first shot in first minute of the game, while Upstate's Dara Russo recorded the first shot for the Spartans in the 11th minute. Sedona Dancu (VMI) scored the first goal of the game in the 19th minute of play. Upstate went into halftime down 1-0 regardless of outshooting VMI 11-5.
Coming out of halftime, the Spartans stayed hungry and the offensive pressure paid off. Alaina McKnight was able to find the back of the net to tie the game while Sydney Thomas and Audrey Baer were credited with the assist. UMO continued to battle for the win, beating VMI in shots in the second half, 11-3, and had six corner kicks in the second half.
"Today's game has left some mixed emotions. While we know we are capable of and how we are capable of playing at a higher level I am very proud of the way we kept grinding to come from behind to get a result," said head coach Sharif Saber following the final whistle.
Game Information
Score: Upstate 1, VMI 1
Records: USC Upstate 2-2-3; 0-0-0 Big South); VMI (0-7-2; 0-0-0 SoCon)
Location: Patchin Field | Lexington, Va.
How It Happened
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1'– Sedona Dancu (VMI) claimed the first shot of the game for the Keydets with a shot in the first 44 seconds.
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11'- Ashley Finn (UPST) fired the first shot for the Spartans but was just a little high with the hit.
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19'- Dancu (VMI) was able to get the Keydets on the board with a goal in the 19th minute of play making the game 1-0 in favor of VMI.
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45'- Upstate was able to contain the VMI offense for the remainder of the half and went into halftime trailing 1-0.
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At halftime, Upstate led VMI in shots (11-5) and in corner kicks (7-2). The Spartans led in saves (2-1).
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47'- Dancu (VMI) attempted to extend the Keydets lead but came up empty as her shot went over the cross bar.
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56'- Alaina McKnight was able to find the back of the net with the assistance of Audrey Baer to even up the score at 1-1.
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Upstate led VMI in shots (22-8) while being tied in saves (3-3) and shots on goal (4-4).
Notable
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Upstate had a season high of 13 corner kicks.
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Cora Brendle started her seventh straight game and played the full 90 minutes in the goal today, making three saves
UP Next for the Spartans
Upstate will remain on the road to kick off Big South Conference play against High Point on Wednesday, Sept. 21st.
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