SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Following a crosstown victory over Wofford College Tuesday night, Upstate Men's Soccer takes the pitch Saturday night renewing the Ingles I-26 Rivalry with UNC Asheville at the County University Soccer Stadium opening Big South play.
Saturday's Matchup
Saturday, September 20 | 7:00 P.M. EST
UNC Asheville vs. Upstate
County University Soccer Stadium | Spartanburg, South Carolina
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
Tickets: Free Admission presented by Ingles
How they stack up
Records: USC Upstate Spartans (2-4-1; 0-0 Big South) vs. UNC Asheville Bulldogs (4-1-1; 0-0 Big South)
All-time series: Upstate leads series 8-5-1
Last time out for Upstate: Tuesday, September 16 vs. Wofford (UPST 3; WOFF 2)
Last time out for UNC Asheville: Tuesday, September 16 vs. ETSU (AVL 1; ETSU 1)
Last Five Meetings: Nov. 2, 2024 (AVL 4; UPST 1); Nov. 1, 2023 (AVL 4; UPST 2); Nov. 2, 2022 (UPST 2; AVL 1); Oct. 30, 2021 (UPST 5; AVL 0); Mar. 21, 2021 (UPST 3; AVL 2)
To see full Match Notes click here.
Players to Watch
Upstate: Senior Forward, Vitalis Takawira Jr. has began to find his footing with the Spartans as he added a brace performance scoring two goals in 18 seconds against Wofford College. Following the two matches against the College of Charleston and Elon, Takawira Jr. Knew with great preparation at training followed by the teamwork that the Spartans could find their way into the midweek battle against the Terriers. Already having two assists on the season, Vitalis Takawira Jr. Took a different approach offensively attacking Wofford with two back-to-back goals jumping to a 2-0 lead. With the hot start, Upstate used that momentum getting back into the win column. With the versatility that Takawira Jr. provides, the Bulldogs will have to adjust to the speed and experience that he possesses.
UNC Asheville: Senior Forward, Rodrigo Mendes appeared and started in six matches for the Bulldogs leading the team with four goals, 10 points responsible for, 15 shots, and eight shots on goal. With 502 minutes logged and being 1-for-1 on penalty kick attempts, the Spartans will look to slow down the speedy forward in the Ingles I-26 Rivalry matchup.
Up next for the Spartans
Following the two-game homestand, Upstate Men's Soccer will take the pitch in Rock Hill, South Carolina for their first road match in Big South play against conference opponent, Winthrop University on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00 P.M. Eastern time.
Morgan Square Madness
South Carolina's ONLY outdoor basketball tip-off event returns October 2nd at a new location, Fifth Third Park! Free community event, just reserve your FREE ticket online and learn more about South Carolina's only outdoor basketball tip-off event at www.upstatespartans.com/madness. Morgan Square Madness powered by Ingles kicks off Family & Alumni Weekend at USC Upstate, for details on the entire weekend, click here.
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