SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the Semifinal round in the Big South Men's Soccer Championships, Upstate Men's Soccer faces a familiar opponent in nationally ranked #12 and #1 seeded High Point University for Sunday night action on the road live on ESPN+. The winner of the semifinal round will earn a spot in the Championship match taking place on November 15th. 

Sunday's Matchup 

Sunday, November 9 | 6:00 P.M. EST 

#5 USC Upstate vs. #1 High Point 

Vert Stadium | High Point, North Carolina 

TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App      

How they Stack up 

#5 USC Upstate Spartans (5-10-3; 2-3-2 Big South) vs. #1 High Point Panthers (11-1-4; 7-0 Big South) 

All-time series: High Point leads 10-0-3 

Last time out for Upstate: Wednesday, November 5 vs. #4 UNC Asheville (UPST 5; AVL 1) 

Last time out for High Point: Saturday, November 1 vs. Winthrop (HPU 5; WIN 0) 

Last meeting between both teams: October 12, 2025 (HPU 2; UPST 0) 

Players to Watch 

Upstate: First Team All-Conference Player, Oskar Kaufmann is having one of the most historic seasons for the program that has not been seen in years. His 11 goals scored on the season are the second most in a season during the Division I era behind Gordon Wild (2015). Kaufmann had a historic performance during the first round of the Big South Men's Soccer Championships tying Gordon Wild first for the most goals scored in a single match (4) leading the charge in a 5-1 win over UNC Asheville. Kaufmann will look to continue his offensive firepower and help the Spartans push for a chance for something special in the Sunday match at High Point. 

High Point: Big South Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year, Daniel Lugo has made his first season with the Panthers count in a way that has gained national attention. Lugo leads the Big South with 12 goals and 27 points with a .667 shot on goal percentage. Lugo helped the Panthers overcome the Spartans in their last meeting, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the 2-0 win. The Spartans will look to contain Daniel Lugo's high energy and attack on the ball in the Sunday matchup. 

Up next for the Spartans 

The winner of the Semifinal round will earn a trip to the Championship Final on Saturday, November 15th playing the winner of the #2 Gardner-Webb vs. #3 Presbyterian match.  

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Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer                             
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans                           
                          
                   
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