SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Continuing the road trip, Upstate Men's Soccer returns to the Palmetto State traveling to Columbia, South Carolina taking on the University of South Carolina in a Friday night showdown where the Spartans look to overcome the Gamecocks at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium.
Friday's Matchup
August 29, 2025 | 7:00 P.M.
Upstate at South Carolina
Eugene E. Stone III Stadium | Columbia, S.C.
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
How they Stack Up
Records: USC Upstate (0-1-1; 0-0 Big South) vs. South Carolina (1-1; 0-0 Sun Belt)
All-time Series: South Carolina leads 6-2
Last Five Meetings: Sept. 10, 2024 (USC 4; UPST 0); Sept. 26, 2023 (UPST 4; USC 0); Sept. 6, 2022 (USC 2; UPST 1); Sept. 17, 2021 (UPST 1; USC 0) Feb 17, 2021 (USC 1; UPST 0)
Players to Watch
Upstate: Senior Forward, Vitalis Takawira Jr. started in both matches played for the Spartans logging 169 minutes between both. Takawira Jr. Currently has one assist on the season aiding in Josh Zawlocki earning his first collegiate goal in the matchup against Liberty. Vitalis Takawira Jr. Has familiarity with the system ran by Michael Antoniewicz as he was a member of NCAA Division II, Coker University with Antoniewicz during the 2024 season. During his time there, he appeared in 16 matches while starting in 14, scoring eight goals, assisting six, and being responsible for 22 points which resulted in being named SAC Second Team All-Conference. The Gamecocks will have their hands full containing Takawira Jr. Who continues to find his footing with the program for Men's Soccer.
South Carolina: Junior Midfielder, Mika Habel currently leads the Gamecocks with two goals scored scoring one of each against the College of Charleston and #6 Clemson. Habel looks to return to the Gamecocks adding much contribution and continuing to give a boost to the offensive side. With Mika Habel currently being the engine keeping South Carolina going, the Spartans will look to gameplan on slowing down the Gamecocks and spoil South Carolina's home opener.
Up Next for the Spartans
Following the Friday night action, the Spartans will have a quick turnaround hosting the University of Alabama-Birmingham at the County University Soccer Stadium for home Labor DayMonday, Sept. 1 action at 6:00 P.M. eastern.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
X (Twitter) | @UpstateMSoccer
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans
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