Upstate Controls Attack, Settles for Scoreless Draw with USC Aiken
9/16/2026 9:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate women's soccer controlled much of the action Wednesday night but couldn't find the finishing touch, battling USC Aiken to a 0-0 draw at County University Soccer Stadium. The tie moves the Spartans to 4-2-3 on the season as they wrapped up their non-conference slate.
Upstate held the advantage offensively throughout the night, outshooting the Pacers 12-4 while putting six attempts on frame compared to just one for USC Aiken. The Spartans also earned seven corner kicks, including six during the opening 45 minutes, while limiting the Pacers to just one corner.
The Spartans applied pressure almost immediately, earning their first corner just 22 seconds into the contest. Annabelle Wunderlich recorded Upstate's first shot in the third minute before Katelyn Economopoulos forced a save from Savannah Yerger in the seventh. Upstate continued generating opportunities as Liana Bryant and Jasmyn Mitchner each threatened the Pacer defense, with Mitchner putting an attempt on target in the 21st minute.
Despite the Spartans controlling much of the opening half, USC Aiken managed its best opportunity in the 38th minute when Isabella Gesmondi put a shot on frame. Upstate goalkeeper Kayla Cervantes was there to make the save, sending the match into halftime scoreless.
Upstate continued to push forward following the break. Kylie White tested USC Aiken goalkeeper Riley Sweetland less than two minutes into the second half before forcing another save in the 65th minute. Danielle Trovato followed with an attempt on frame less than a minute later as the Spartans continued searching for the breakthrough.
Bryant led the Spartans with three shots on the night, while Economopoulos and White each added two. White put both of her attempts on target, while Economopoulos, Trovato, Mitchner and Bryant each recorded one shot on goal.
The Spartans nearly found the winner in the closing moments. Bryant fired an attempt high in the 88th minute before putting another shot on frame with just 40 seconds remaining, but Sweetland came up with the save. Upstate earned one final corner following the attempt, but the Pacers held on through the final whistle to preserve the scoreless draw.
Defensively, Upstate turned in another strong performance behind a back line featuring Cansu Kara, Danielle Trovato, Annabelle Wunderlich and Gracie Black, all of whom played the full 90 minutes. Cervantes went the distance in goal, making one save to earn the shutout.
Notable
- Upstate moved to 4-2-3 on the season.
- The Spartans outshot USC Aiken 12-4 and held a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.
- Upstate earned seven corner kicks compared to one for USC Aiken.
- Liana Bryant led the Spartans with three shots.
- Kylie White placed both of her attempts on goal.
- Kayla Cervantes recorded the shutout, making one save over 90 minutes.
- Upstate's defense allowed USC Aiken just one shot on goal for the entire match.
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics      Â
X (Twitter) | @UpstateWSoccer      Â
Instagram | @UpstateWSoccer      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!

200x200%20(2).png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)


























