MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - USC Upstate women's soccer program started the 2023 season with a 2-2 tie against the College of Charleston Cougars. Dara Russo was able to find the net early while Hailey Sapinoro was able to sneak one in late to end the game in a draw. 

The Spartans started the game with discipline as the Cougars attacked Upstate's goal from the very beginning. Upstate's discipline paid off as 2023 Big South Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Dara Russo, scored her first goal of the season in the 12th minute with some assistance from Nya Baccelli. Refusing to let go of the lead, Upstate carried its lead into halftime despite having fewer shots than the hosting Cougars. 2023 Big South Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, Cora Brendle, recorded two saves and held a clean sheet after the first 45 minutes of play.  

Coming out of the halftime break, Upstate continued to remain alert on defense and held College of Charleston scoreless until the 64th minute of play when the Cougars were able to get the ball just over the goal line past Brendle and tie the game 1-1. The Spartans began trailing for the first time in the 76th minute as the Cougars made the game 2-1. Refusing to go down without a fight, Upstate continued to press College of Charleston defense and the pressure paid off as Hailey Sapinoro tied the game 2-2 as she found the far, top corner of the net from outside the 18-yard box. At full time, USC Upstate tied the College of Charleston 2-2 to start the 2023 regular season.  

Game Information    
Score: Upstate 2, College of Charleston 2  
Records: USC Upstate (0-0-1, 0-0-0 Big South) | College of Charleston (0-0-1, 0-0-0 CAA)  
Location: Ralph Lundy Field at Patriots Point | Mt. Pleasant, S.C.   
    
How It Happened   

• 1'– Delaney Dawes (CofC) was able to rattle off the first shot of the game in the first minute of play but her aim was off target. 

• 11'- Audrey Baer (UPST) was able to get the first shot off for the Spartans but her shot was also off target.  

• 13'- Dara Russo (UPST) scored her first goal of the season with an assist being credited to Nya Baccelli. 

• 21'- Cora Brendle (UPST) earned her first save of the game as Mary Alexander (CofC) attempted to tie the game.  

• At halftime, Upstate trailed College of Charleston in shots (7-4), was tied for corners (1-1), and led for saves (2-1). 

• 48'- Caroline Fowlkes (CofC) hit the first shot in the second half in an attempt to tie the game but was off target.  

• 64'- Bella Antonio (CofC) was able to tie the game in the 64th minute as the ball went just over the line past Brendle.  

• 76'- Avery Nassetta (CofC) was able to take the lead for the Cougars in the 76th minute. 

• 88'- Hailey Sapinoro sank a late shot to the far side of the goal from outside the 18-yard box to tie the game at 2-2. 

• At the final whistle, Upstate trailed the College of Charleston for shots (16-6), and corners (5-2) but led in saves (4-1).  

Notable   

• Dara Russo scored the first goal of the season across the Big South Conference. 

• Hailey Sapinoro scored her first career goal after she was injured during the 2022 season.  

• This is the first time USC Upstate has not lost to the College of Charleston after suffering losses in 2009 (4-0) and 2008 (1-0). 

UP Next for the Spartans    
Upstate will remain on the road for a quick trip Sunday afternoon to Norfolk, Va. to take on the Pirates of Hampton University. 
 

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.      

    
    
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