USC Upstate Men's Soccer Falls to Winthrop, 2-1 in Regular Season Finale - University of South Carolina

Saturday, October 31

Spartanburg, S.C.

2:00 PM

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

5-12-0, 3-4-0

Winthrop

6-8-3, 3-3-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Winthrop	1	1	2
USC Upstate	0	1	1

Winthrop

10/31/2026 5:40:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate men's soccer team closed out its 2026 regular season Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Big South Conference opponent Winthrop at County University Soccer Stadium. Despite outshooting the Eagles 16-14 and finding an equalizer in the second half, the Spartans surrendered a late goal that ultimately decided the contest.

With the loss, USC Upstate finishes the regular season with a 5-12-0 overall record and a 3-4-0 mark in Big South play, while Winthrop improves to 6-8-3 overall and 3-3-1 in conference action.

The Eagles struck first in the eighth minute when Juma Baden converted a penalty kick at the 7:20 mark, giving Winthrop an early 1-0 advantage.

Despite conceding the early goal, the Spartans maintained offensive pressure throughout the opening half, recording 11 shots compared to Winthrop's eight. Oscar Kelly nearly brought Upstate level in the 12th minute, striking the left post before David Palade forced Winthrop goalkeeper Kevin Christensen into a save just over a minute later.

Jayden Montgomery added three first-half shot attempts, while Henry Burt, Tolu Fabamifobee and Jaami Qureshi each contributed to Upstate's offensive effort. However, the Spartans entered halftime trailing 1-0.

USC Upstate continued searching for the equalizer after the break, with Josh Zawlocki and Xande Santos registering attempts in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.

The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Christian Cook stepped up to the penalty spot and converted his fourth goal of the season at the 64:05 mark, leveling the contest at 1-1.

Winthrop responded with increased offensive pressure, including a shot from Evan Tubiolo that struck the crossbar in the 67th minute. Upstate goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin helped keep the Spartans level, turning away multiple second-half attempts.

With less than seven minutes remaining, Winthrop regained the advantage when Teo Jelaca scored his fifth goal of the season at the 83:11 mark, putting the Eagles ahead 2-1.

The Spartans continued battling in the closing minutes, with Harry Davison recording an attempt in the final seconds, but were unable to find another equalizer.

Notable Stats

Christian Cook scored his fourth goal of the season, converting a penalty kick in the 65th minute.
Jarrett Wuerslin played all 90 minutes in goal, finishing with four saves, including three in the second half.
Oscar Kelly and Jayden Montgomery led USC Upstate offensively with three shots apiece.
David Palade recorded two shots, including one on goal.
USC Upstate held a 16-14 advantage in total shots, including an 11-8 edge during the first half.
Winthrop held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks and a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.
Juma Baden and Teo Jelaca accounted for Winthrop's two goals, with Baden scoring on a first-half penalty kick and Jelaca netting the game-winner in the 84th minute.

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