Dara Russo's Brace Helps Women's Soccer to 2-2 Draw Against Furman

Thursday, September 4

Spartanburg, S.C.

7:00 p.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

2-3-1, 0-0-0

Furman

4-1-1, 0-0-0

Furman

USC Upstate

Photo by: Emma Hudson

9/4/2025 11:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Competing in their second home game of the season, Upstate faced the Furman Paladins this evening. The tightly contested match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Just nine minutes into the match, it was none other than Dara Russo who found the back of the net on a 1v1 against the Furman keeper off a dime from Savannah Noll. Russo earned the brace, netting her second goal of the match in the 82nd minute, assisted by Catarina Dantas. Playing all 90 minutes of the match, Russo once again led the team in shots with four.

Caroline Simpkins put up two shots, followed by Riley O'Bryan, Paige Armstrong, and Morgan de Barros with one. Maddie Smith and Audrey Baer also added a shot on target.

Goalkeeper Madison Ejgird made her first collegiate start tonight, collecting three saves.

Game Information
Score: USC Upstate 2; Furman 2
Record: USC Upstate (2-3-1; 0-0-0 Big South) vs. Furman (4-1-1; 0-0-0 Big South)
Location: County University Soccer Stadium | Spartanburg, S.C.

How It Happened
1^st Half: The Paladins took the first shot of the match five minutes in, but the Spartans and Dara Russo quickly counterattacked, finding the back of the net at the eight-minute mark. Both teams traded shots back and forth. With five minutes left in the half, Furman scored the equalizer.
2^nd Half: Just seven minutes into the half, Furman took the lead right before the game was delayed due to lightning. Out of the delay, the Paladins kept the momentum going, quickly firing off a shot. Dara Russo netted the equalizer with eight minutes left. Goalkeeper Madison Ejgird made a crucial save with two minutes remaining to keep the score even.

Notable

Dara Russo earned her second career brace and fifth multi-goal game. She also earned a season-high in minutes played with 90.
Madison Ejgird made her first career start, setting a career-high in minutes played (90), saves (3), and shots faced (12)
Savannah Noll earned her first assist of the season
Catarina Dantas tallied her first assist of the season while playing a complete match

UP Next for the Spartans
The Spartans travel to Virginia, facing VMI on Sunday, September 7th. Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm.

Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateWSoccer | @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateWSoccer | @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans

INVEST IN CHAMPIONS - Join the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF) and enjoy enhanced benefits for your support of all USC Upstate programs! Make your gift today, click here!