SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The USC Upstate Spartans are set to wrap up their preseason as they host the Converse Valkyries Saturday night.
Saturday's MatchUP
August 19, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Big South) vs. Converse College (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Conference Carolinas)
Spartanburg Regional Field at County University Soccer Stadium | Spartanburg, S.C.
*Live Stats and Streaming Not Available for Exhibitions*
How They Stack UP
Record: USC Upstate (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Big South) vs. Converse College (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Conference Carolinas)
Series: The two teams are yet to meet in an official regular season matchup but squared off for the first time in an exhibition during the 2022 season.
Players to Watch
Jeremy Montero, Julian Fernandez, and Felipe Marty are the Spartans to keep an eye on as all three were named to the Big South's preseason All-Conference team. Montero and Marty both finished second in offensive and defensive player of the year voting respectively. As far as newcomers are concerned, pay attention when Anthony Cox is on the field as the transfer looks to build upon his role early.
The Valkyries are loaded with talent that led them to a 13-1-2 record last season which saw them capture their first Conference Carolinas championship. Junior Hayden Gensler returns after leading the team in scoring last year, notching 22 points with ten goals and two assists. In addition to Gensler, the Valkyries return three other players who recorded double-digit points last year in Jaxon Keene (15), Johannes Haden (14), and Kyle Lewis (11).
Last Match Out
The #3 Upstate Spartans went on the road to take on the #2 High Point Panthers in the first round of the Big South Tournament. Despite a strong showing in the second half, the Spartans would eventually fall 3-1 at the hands of the eventual conference champions.
Converse enjoyed an undefeated regular season and conference tournament run during the 2022 season. However, their season came to an end at the hands of Wingate University in the form of a 1-1 Tie, 4-3 PK loss.
UP Next for the Spartans
The Spartans will have some time to think on their preseason performances before the University of North Florida comes to Spartanburg, August 24. Upstate will look to claim their first win over the familiar foe since joining the Big South.
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.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateMSoccer
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans
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