SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate men’s soccer picked up its second Big South victory of the season Saturday afternoon, holding off Radford for a 2-1 win at County University Soccer Stadium. The victory moved the Spartans to 4-8-0 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play.

Upstate wasted little time getting on the board, striking in the seventh minute. Jayden Montgomery put an initial attempt on frame before Josh Zawlocki found the back of the net at the 6:24 mark, with Max Beullens earning the assist to give the Spartans an early 1-0 advantage.

The Spartans doubled their lead late in the opening half. After coming off the bench, David Palade converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute for his first goal of the season, sending Upstate into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Radford cut into the advantage in the 56th minute when Noel Zimbeva scored off assists from Carson Danner and Sam Amyx, bringing the Highlanders within one at 2-1.

Upstate continued to generate chances throughout the second half while protecting the one-goal advantage. The Spartans fired 11 shots after halftime and forced Radford goalkeeper Ben Miller into four second-half saves. Jayden Montgomery remained active in the attack down the stretch, putting multiple attempts toward goal, while Xande Santos also forced a pair of late saves.

Goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin helped preserve the victory for the Spartans, finishing the afternoon with four saves while allowing just one goal across the full 90 minutes.

Upstate controlled the offensive numbers, outshooting Radford 20-11 and placing seven shots on goal. The Spartans limited the Highlanders to six shots on target while finishing with a 13-20 advantage in fouls committed.

Zawlocki’s goal marked his fourth of the season, while Palade recorded his first. Beullens collected the Spartans’ lone assist of the afternoon.

 

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