COLUMBIA, S.C. - Continuing the road stand for an in-state battle with the Spartans traveling to Columbia, South Carolina for a matchup against the University of South Carolina. Men's Soccer were able to take their motivation and preparation to the pitch picking up a win over the Gamecocks which served as the first win in the Michael Antoniewicz era.  

The first half opened with the Spartans coming in hot offensively with two early shots on goal putting pressure on the Gamecocks. Following a throw in from Vitalis Takawira Jr., the Jorhan Chopin connected with Oskar Kaufmann with Kaufmann finishing the play for the opening goal in the 10th minute. The Gamecocks looked to adjust off the early momentum from Upstate but the back line of the Spartan defense followed with multiple saves from Jarrett Wuerslin kept South Carolina scoreless through the first half. Coming into the second half, the Gamecocks began to challenge Upstate's defense with four quick shots that were off target keeping Upstate ahead 1-0. With the half growing, South Carolina capitalized from a foul on Upstate with a game-tying goal at the 76th minute. As Josh Zawlocki looked to attack in the box, a costly foul set up the opportunity for a penalty kick. With Oscar Kelly in front of a massive crowd, Kelly did not let the moment slip away converting on the opportunity putting the Spartans back in the lead. South Carolina looked to respond with multiple shots on frame but Sophomore Goalkeeper, Jarrett Wuerslin followed with two consecutive clutch saves. In the final minute, Upstate's defense did enough to hold on for the first win of the 2025 campaign in the Michael Antoniewicz era. 

Game Information 

Score: Upstate 2 : South Carolina 1 

Records: Upstate (1-1-1; Big South 0-0) vs. South Carolina (1-2; 0-0 Sun Belt) 

Location: Eugene E. Stone Stadium | Columbia, S.C. 

How it Happened 

10' - Oskar Kaufmann scores the opening goal for the Spartans putting Upstate in the lead 

63' - Shot by South Carolina's Ricardo Oddi saved by Jarrett Wuerlsin 

76' - Goal scored by Ethan Ballek assisted by Jonah Bigger 

77' - Oscar Kelly puts Upstate back ahead converting on the Penalty Kick 

80' - Shot by South Carolina's Tyler Trimnal saved by Jarrett Wuerslin 

82' - Shot by South Carolina's Galen Flynn saved by Jarrett Wuerslin 

Notable 

• Coming into today's matchup, the last win over South Carolina for Upstate was on September 26, 2023. 

• Tonight's win marked the first win in the Michael Antoniewicz era spoiling the home opener for the Gamecocks. 

• Oskar Kaufmann's goal in the first half marked his first goal as a member of the Spartans and his first official goal in his Division I career, previously being a member of NCAA Division II, Coker University. 

• Oscar Kelly's goal in the second half marked his second of the season now leading Upstate in goals scored. 

• The Spartans outdueled the Gamecocks with 11 shots taken in the first half compared to South Carolina's five. 

• In goal, Jarrett Wuerslin earned his first win of the season as the keeper with three saves on the night. 

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 Day Monday, Sept. 1 action at 6:00 P.M. eastern.   

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