University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Eastern Kentucky
Women's Soccer to Face Eastern Kentucky
9/5/2026 8:09:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Match Information
Matchup: USC Upstate (3-1-1) at Eastern Kentucky (3-3-0)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: EKU Soccer Field | Richmond, Ky.
Watch: ESPN+
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Riding the momentum of back-to-back victories, USC Upstate women's soccer returns to the road Sunday as the Spartans travel to Richmond, Ky., for a non-conference matchup with Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff from EKU Soccer Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with the match available on ESPN+.
Upstate enters Sunday's contest with a 3-1-1 overall record and a two-match winning streak after earning victories over Hampton and Wofford. The Spartans have outscored their opponents 7-1 across the two victories, defeating Hampton 4-0 before earning a 3-1 road win over Wofford Thursday.
Upstate Continues Strong Start
The Spartans are off to their best five-match start in recent seasons, with their lone loss coming in a narrow 1-0 decision at Charlotte. Upstate opened the year with a 1-1 draw at College of Charleston before defeating Davidson 3-2 at home. Following the Charlotte setback, the Spartans responded with consecutive victories over Hampton and Wofford.
Liana Bryant has been at the center of the Upstate attack. The forward delivered another standout performance Thursday against Wofford, recording her first brace of the season with goals in the 34th and 55th minutes. Bryant put all four of her shot attempts on goal and recorded the game-winner.
Jasmyn Mitchner also played a major role in the victory, assisting Bryant's second goal before scoring an insurance goal of her own in the 76th minute. Mitchner finished the night with three points, four shots and three shots on goal. Together, Bryant and Mitchner accounted for all three Upstate goals and all seven of the Spartans' shots on target.
In goal, Hannah Wilt made four saves against Wofford and played all 90 minutes. The Spartan back line also received complete 90-minute performances from Cansu Kara, Danielle Trovato, Katelyn Economopoulos, Annabelle Wunderlich, Raegan Bell and Kylie White.
Scouting Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky enters Sunday at 3-3-0 under head coach Matt Cosinuke. The Colonels are coming off a 1-0 home loss to Miami (Ohio) Thursday after conceding the deciding goal in the 67th minute.
Lauren Link has been one of EKU's primary attacking threats. She led the Colonels with four shots against Miami and enters Sunday tied for second on the team with 11 shots, including seven on goal, through six matches. Goalkeeper Jordan LeVasseur made four saves against Miami while facing 13 shots.
Eastern Kentucky has been particularly difficult to beat on its home field in recent seasons. The Colonels went 7-0-3 at home in 2025 and entered 2026 with a 14-2-4 home record over the previous two seasons.
Sunday will also serve as Senior Day for Eastern Kentucky, with the Colonels set to recognize Chiara Premoli, Juliet Strange and Rachel Robinson before the match.
Series History
Sunday marks the second consecutive season USC Upstate and Eastern Kentucky will meet.
The programs faced one another on Aug. 21, 2025, at Lexington Sporting Club, with Eastern Kentucky earning a 2-1 victory. After a scoreless first half, EKU scored twice in the second half before Upstate answered with a goal from Dara Russo. The Spartans finished that match with 14 shots, five shots on goal and six corner kicks.
Upstate will therefore look to earn its first victory over Eastern Kentucky Sunday while also extending its current winning streak to three matches.
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