ROCK HILL, S.C. –USC Upstate women's soccer opened Big South play on the road against Winthrop. In a thrilling match, the Spartans walked away with the 3-2 victory.

Riley O'Bryan found the back of the net for the first Spartan goal, assisted by Savannah Noll. O'Bryan finished the night with a total of three shots. Just minutes after Winthrop netted their go-ahead goal, Paige Armstrong found the equalizer for her second goal of the season.

Leading the team in shots with five, Dara Russo netted the game-winning goal in the 77^th minute.

Maddie Smith and Hannah Johnson each added a shot on target. Goalkeeper Madison Ejgird collected three saves.
 
Game Information
Score: USC Upstate 3; Winthrop 2
Records: USC Upstate (4-4-1; 1-0-0 Big South) vs. Winthrop (2-4-3; 0-1-0 Big South)
Location: Eagle Field | Rock Hill S.C.

How It Happened
1^st Half: Upstate claimed the first shot of the match just four minutes in, courtesy of Maddie Smith, but it was saved by the Winthrop keeper. Madison Ejgird made her first save at the 14-minute mark. Winthrop scored their first goal minutes later, with the Spartans firing off three more shots. Riley O'Bryan found the equalizer at the 31st minute mark off an assist from Savannah Noll.
2^nd Half: Out of the break, the Eagles scored their second goal to go up 2-1, but Paige Armstrong quickly found the equalizer minutes later. Madison Ejgird made her second save of the night at the 60^th minute to keep the match even. At the 77-minute mark, Dara Russo netted the game-winner.

Notable

• Dara Russo's game-winning goal was the 12th of her career and the second this season
• Riley O'Bryan set a season-high in shots with three
• Paige Armstrong netted her ninth career goal
• Savannah Noll earned her second assist of the season

 
UP Next for the Spartans
The Spartans face High Point in a rematch of the Big South Championship game on Wednesday, September 24th at 7:00 pm.

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