Men's Soccer Falls to College of Charleston

Saturday, September 12

Spartanburg, S.C.

1:00 PM

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

2-5-0, 0-0-0

College of Charleston

4-1-1, 1-1-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Col. of Charleston	0	2	2
USC Upstate	1	0	1

9/12/2026 6:55:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate men's soccer carried a one-goal advantage into halftime Saturday afternoon, but a pair of second-half goals from College of Charleston allowed the Cougars to rally for a 2-1 victory at County University Soccer Stadium. The loss moved the Spartans to 2-5-0 on the season, while Charleston improved to 4-1-1.

Upstate came out as the aggressor, generating 10 shots during the opening 45 minutes compared to five from the Cougars. Oscar Kelly was at the center of the Spartans' attack throughout the half, recording multiple early attempts as Upstate continued to apply pressure.

The pressure paid off in the 33rd minute. After entering the match off the bench, Tolu Fabamifobee helped create the breakthrough, setting up Kelly for the game's opening goal at the 32:42 mark. The strike was Kelly's first goal of the season, while Fabamifobee picked up the assist as the Spartans grabbed a 1-0 advantage.

Upstate nearly added to its lead just before halftime when Jaami Qureshi put an attempt on frame in the 45th minute, but Charleston goalkeeper Marten Brink made the save. The Spartans entered the break holding the 1-0 advantage after outshooting the Cougars 10-5 in the first half.

Charleston flipped the momentum following the break. The Cougars found the equalizer in the 66th minute as Arnau Olle scored at 65:51 to make it a 1-1 match. Less than eight minutes later, Matt Lenert put Charleston in front, scoring at 73:05 for what proved to be the game-winning goal.

The Spartans looked for an answer down the stretch, with Kelly firing another attempt in the 79th minute, but Upstate was unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle. Kelly finished as the Spartans' most active attacker, recording a game-high seven shots and scoring Upstate's lone goal. Qureshi registered Upstate's other shot on goal.

Despite the setback, Upstate finished just one shot behind Charleston, 13-12, and committed only five fouls compared to nine by the Cougars. The Spartans placed two attempts on goal and earned two corner kicks, while goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin made two saves across the full 90 minutes.

Notable

Oscar Kelly scored his first goal of the season and led all Spartans with seven shots.
Tolu Fabamifobee recorded his first assist of the match, setting up Kelly's opening goal.
Upstate outshot College of Charleston 10-5 in the opening half.
The Spartans held Charleston scoreless through the first 65 minutes.
Jarrett Wuerslin made two saves in 90 minutes in goal.
Upstate finished with 12 shots, including two on goal, while Charleston recorded 13 shots and four on frame.

Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
X (Twitter) | @UpstateMSoccer
Instagram | @Upstatemenssoccer
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!