Men's Soccer Picked to Finish Third in 2026 Big South Preseason Poll
8/12/2026 12:05:00 PM | Men's Soccer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – With the start of the 2026 season approaching, USC Upstate men's soccer was selected to finish third in the Big South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the league.
The third-place selection marks a two-position jump for the Spartans from a season ago, when Upstate entered the 2025 campaign picked fifth by the league's head coaches.
Upstate enters its second season under head coach Michael Antoniewicz looking to build upon the momentum established during his first year at the helm. The Spartans advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Men's Soccer Championship in 2025 while putting together several notable performances throughout the campaign, including a victory over in-state foe South Carolina.
The Spartans' third-place preseason selection is also their highest since the 2023 season, when Upstate was similarly tabbed third in the conference's preseason poll.
Upstate will face another challenging slate in 2026 as the Spartans continue their pursuit of a Big South championship. The 17-match regular-season schedule features five home matches at Spartanburg Regional Field at County University Soccer Stadium and a demanding road schedule that includes South Carolina, Wake Forest and 2025 College Cup participant Furman.
The Spartans officially open the 2026 campaign in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 20th at 6pm against Georgia State.
Connect with the Spartans    Â
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics      Â
X (Twitter) | @UpstateMSoccer      Â
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer      Â
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans     Â
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!
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The third-place selection marks a two-position jump for the Spartans from a season ago, when Upstate entered the 2025 campaign picked fifth by the league's head coaches.
Upstate enters its second season under head coach Michael Antoniewicz looking to build upon the momentum established during his first year at the helm. The Spartans advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Men's Soccer Championship in 2025 while putting together several notable performances throughout the campaign, including a victory over in-state foe South Carolina.
The Spartans' third-place preseason selection is also their highest since the 2023 season, when Upstate was similarly tabbed third in the conference's preseason poll.
Upstate will face another challenging slate in 2026 as the Spartans continue their pursuit of a Big South championship. The 17-match regular-season schedule features five home matches at Spartanburg Regional Field at County University Soccer Stadium and a demanding road schedule that includes South Carolina, Wake Forest and 2025 College Cup participant Furman.
The Spartans officially open the 2026 campaign in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 20th at 6pm against Georgia State.
Connect with the Spartans    Â
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics      Â
X (Twitter) | @UpstateMSoccer      Â
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer      Â
Youtube.com/UpstateSpartans     Â
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!
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