Columbia, SC, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The USC Upstate men’s soccer team achieved its first victory of the season by defeating the University of South Carolina 2-1 at Eugene E. Stone Stadium. The game showcased a strong performance by Upstate, highlighted by Oskar Kaufmann’s first goal and Oscar Kelly’s penalty kick. This win marks an important milestone for the team in the Michael Antoniewicz era, improving their record to 1-1-1. The match also ended a streak against South Carolina, which they had not beaten since 2023.
Columbia, SC – The USC Upstate men’s soccer team celebrated its first victory of the season, triumphantly defeating the University of South Carolina 2-1 on August 29, 2025. This match, held at Eugene E. Stone Stadium, marks a significant moment as it is the first win for Upstate in the Michael Antoniewicz era.
With this win, USC Upstate improved its record to 1-1-1 overall, while South Carolina fell to 1-2. The game was characterized by a dominant performance from Upstate in the first half, where they had 11 shots compared to South Carolina’s five.
The game got off to a promising start for Upstate, with Oskar Kaufmann netting the opening goal in the 10th minute, thanks to an assist from Jorhan Chopin. Throughout the first half, Upstate exhibited offensive prowess while their goalkeeper, Jarrett Wuerslin, made several key saves, preventing South Carolina from scoring and maintaining a scoreless first half for the Gamecocks.
In the second half, South Carolina put forth an increased effort, firing off four quick shots; however, all attempts were off-target. A turning point came in the 76th minute when a foul committed by Upstate led to a game-tying goal by Ethan Ballek, assisted by Jonah Biggar. Just a minute later, Upstate reclaimed the lead with a penalty kick scored by Oscar Kelly, marking his second goal of the season and solidifying his position as Upstate’s leading scorer.
As the game drew to a close, Wuerslin delivered two crucial saves in the final minutes, ensuring the Spartans secured their victory. This win also ended a streak for Upstate, who had not defeated South Carolina since September 26, 2023.
Notably, Kaufmann’s opening goal was his first as a Spartan and within his Division I career, transitioning from NCAA Division II’s Coker University. Meanwhile, Jarrett Wuerslin recorded his first win of the season with a total of three saves during the match.
Looking ahead, USC Upstate will host the University of Alabama-Birmingham for a Labor Day match on September 1, 2025, which is set to begin at 6:00 PM ET.
Match Summary:
- Final Score: USC Upstate 2, South Carolina 1
- Goals: Oskar Kaufmann (10′), Ethan Ballek (76′), Oscar Kelly (77′)
- Key Players: Jarrett Wuerslin (3 saves), Oscar Kelly (2 goals this season)
- Next Match: vs. University of Alabama-Birmingham on September 1 at 6:00 PM ET
Performance Analysis:
| Team | Shots (1st Half) | Shots (2nd Half) | Total Shots | Goals | Goalkeeper Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USC Upstate | 11 | N/A | 11 | 2 | 3 |
| South Carolina | 5 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
FAQ
When did USC Upstate men’s soccer achieve their first win this season?
USC Upstate men’s soccer claimed their first win of the season on August 29, 2025, against the University of South Carolina with a score of 2-1.
What was the score of the match between USC Upstate and South Carolina?
The match ended with USC Upstate defeating South Carolina 2-1.
Who were the key players in the match?
Key players included Oskar Kaufmann, who scored the opening goal, and Oscar Kelly, who scored a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin also made essential saves during the match.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes at the University of South Carolina
Dara Russo Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer at USC Upstate
University of South Carolina Inducts Six into Athletics Hall of Fame
South Carolina Women’s Soccer Team Achieves Academic Excellence
Savannah Noll’s Transition to USC Upstate Soccer
Additional Resources
- USC Upstate Athletics
- Gamecocks Online
- WIS TV
- Google Search: USC Upstate mens soccer
- Wikipedia: Men’s Soccer
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