ASHEVILLE, N.C -- The USC Upstate men's soccer team is heading home after falling at Asheville for the first time in the DI era by a score of 4-2.
The Spartans opened play quickly, rattling off five of the first six shots of the night, but the Bulldogs scored first and quickly, picking up three goals in a seven-minute span to close out the first half.
Asheville would add to their lead in the 79th minute, before Jeremy Montero would capitalize on a penalty kick to prevent the shutout. The Spartans had a flicker of life late as Adrian Panaite scored in the 83rd minute, but the Spartans would ultimately fall 4-2 on the road to close out the 2023 campaign.
Game Information
USC Upstate 2 | UNC Asheville 4
USC Upstate (5-10-2, 2-4-1 Big South) at UNC Asheville (9-5-2, 4-2-1 Big South)
Greenwood Soccer Field | Asheville, N.C.
How It Happened
33' - 40' - The Bulldogs strike first and in quick succession, taking a 3-0 lead late in the first half
79' - Asheville adds to their lead again after a quiet start to the second half for both teams
80' - Jeremy Montero capitalizes on a penalty kick to break the shutout. His goal nets him the 36th point of career.
83' - Adrian Panaite notches a goal off an assist from Jimmy James, but the Spartans would fall 4-2 in the match
Notable
* Jeremy Montero sits alone atop the Spartan record book for career points with 36. He would finish the night with 7 shots, 3 on goal and a goal while playing the full match.
* Jimmy James would pick up his fifth point of the season, which is the most in a season in his career
* The Spartans hit 20 shots on the night, their most in a match this season
* The Spartans finish with at least five wins for the second season in a row and the fourth season in five years. The only other time Upstate has recorded five wins in back-to-back seasons was during the 2011-2012 seasons.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateMSoccer
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans
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