Men's Soccer Loses Heartbreaker to High Point

Friday, October 9

Spartanburg, S.C.

6:00 PM

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

4-9-0, 2-2-0

High Point

8-3-1, 4-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
High Point	0	2	2
USC Upstate	1	0	1

Watch Game Notes Live Stats

10/9/2026 8:42:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate men's soccer suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Big South opponent High Point on Friday evening at County University Soccer Stadium. Despite holding the lead for much of the contest, the Spartans saw the Panthers score twice in the final eight minutes to secure the comeback victory.

With the loss, USC Upstate falls to 4-9 overall and 2-2 in Big South play, while High Point improves to 8-3-1 overall and remains undefeated in conference action at 4-0.

The Spartans came out aggressive in the opening half, finding the back of the net in the 16th minute. Jayden Montgomery recorded his second goal of the season off an assist from David Palade, giving Upstate an early 1-0 advantage.

Upstate continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the first half, outshooting the Panthers 8-4 while earning five corner kicks. Tolu Fabamifobee led the offensive charge with five shots in the opening 45 minutes, while Max Beullens nearly doubled the Spartans' advantage in the 33rd minute with an attempt that struck the crossbar.

The Spartans entered halftime holding a 1-0 lead, looking to maintain their advantage against the conference-leading Panthers.

High Point increased its offensive pressure in the second half, recording 10 shots while limiting Upstate to just two attempts. The Spartan defense held strong for much of the period, with goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin making three second-half saves to preserve the lead.

However, the Panthers broke through in the 83rd minute when Daniel Lugo scored his 10th goal of the season off an assist from Noah Behrmann, evening the score at 1-1.

With the match appearing destined for a draw, High Point delivered the game-winning goal with just three seconds remaining in regulation. Lucas Kelly found the back of the net at the 89:57 mark, assisted by Behrmann and Nick Sarantakos, to secure the 2-1 victory.

Fabamifobee led the Spartans with five shots, while Xande Santos and Montgomery each recorded two attempts. Wuerslin finished the evening with four saves across 90 minutes of action.

High Point held a 14-10 advantage in shots, while both teams finished with seven corner kicks.

Notables

Jayden Montgomery recorded his second goal of the season.
David Palade registered the assist on Upstate's lone goal.
Tolu Fabamifobee led the Spartans with a game-high five shots.
Jarrett Wuerslin recorded four saves, including three in the second half.
Upstate outshot High Point 8-4 in the opening half.
The Spartans finished with seven corner kicks, matching the Panthers' total.
USC Upstate moves to 4-9 overall and 2-2 in Big South Conference play.

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