SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate men’s soccer returns to action Saturday, Oct. 31, as the Spartans welcome Winthrop to County University Soccer Stadium for their regular-season finale and Senior Day celebration. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., with eight USC Upstate seniors set to be honored for their contributions to the program.

The Spartans enter Saturday’s Big South Conference match up with a 5-11 overall record and a 3-3 mark in conference play, looking to build on their recent success and close out the regular season with a victory in front of their home crowd.

Match Information

Match Up: USC Upstate vs. Winthrop
Date: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: County University Soccer Stadium | Spartanburg, S.C.
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: 
Promotion: Senior Day | 12:15 p.m.

Last Time Out

USC Upstate enters Saturday’s contest following a 2-1 road victory over UNC Asheville on Oct. 24 in the Ingles I-26 Rivalry. The victory improved the Spartans to 3-3 in Big South Conference play and provided valuable momentum heading into their regular-season finale.

Through 16 matches this season, the Spartans have recorded 27 goals on 197 shots, averaging 12.3 shots and 1.69 goals per contest. Upstate has also registered 82 shots on goal and 83 corner kicks while recording 27 assists.

Oscar Kelly leads the Spartans offensively with 11 points on three goals and a team-high five assists. Josh Zawlocki and Christian Cook share the team lead with four goals apiece, while Zawlocki has added an assist for nine points.

David Palade has contributed three goals and three assists for nine points, including a team-leading two game-winning goals. Tolu Fabamifobee has also been a key contributor with two goals and five assists, tying Kelly for the team lead in assists.

Defensively, goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin has started all 16 matches for the Spartans, recording 66 saves and two shutouts. Wuerslin is averaging 4.13 saves per match and holds a .623 save percentage.

Upstate will look to carry its offensive production and recent conference success into Saturday’s matchup as the Spartans return home for their final regular-season contest.

Scouting the Eagles

Winthrop enters Saturday’s match up with a 5-8-3 overall record and a 2-3-1 mark in Big South Conference play. The Eagles have recorded 29 goals through 16 matches, averaging 1.81 goals and 11.8 shots per contest.

Offensively, Winthrop is led by Juma Baden and Jorge Perez, who have each scored eight goals this season. Baden leads the Eagles with 21 points on eight goals and five assists, while Perez follows with 19 points on eight goals and three assists. Both players have recorded 31 shots, tying for the team lead.

Teo Jelaca has also been a significant contributor to the Winthrop attack, recording four goals and two assists for 10 points. Pablo Ortega follows with three goals and six points, while Daniel Restrepo has added one goal and three assists for five points.

The Eagles have recorded 189 shots this season, placing 80 on goal for a .423 shots-on-goal percentage. Winthrop has also collected 64 corner kicks and 22 assists while converting three of its four penalty-kick attempts.

One of Winthrop’s biggest offensive strengths has been its second-half production. The Eagles have scored 21 of their 29 goals after halftime, accounting for more than 72 percent of their total scoring this season.

Defensively, Winthrop has allowed 25 goals through 16 matches, averaging 1.56 goals allowed per contest. The Eagles have recorded four shutouts while combining for 59 saves.

Goalkeeper Kevin Christensen has appeared in six matches, recording 26 saves with a .743 save percentage and two shutouts. Euan Brindley has made nine starts, totaling 25 saves with a .641 save percentage and two shutouts.

Saturday’s match up presents an important conference test for both programs as they look to strengthen their positioning heading into postseason competition.

Senior Day

Saturday’s contest will also serve as Senior Day for USC Upstate, as the Spartans recognize eight seniors for their dedication, leadership and contributions to the men’s soccer program.Senior recognition will begin at 12:15 p.m.  

Spartan Seniors: 

#1 – Jarrett Wuerslin #5 – Matiwos Rumley #9 – David Palade #11 – Christian Cook #14 – Luke Marin #16 – Noah Daniels #20 – Bennett Leitner #22 – Ollie West 

The pregame ceremony will honor the student-athletes for their accomplishments both on and off the field, celebrating their commitment to USC Upstate Athletics throughout their collegiate careers.

The senior class has played an important role in the program, providing experience and leadership while helping guide the Spartans through Big South Conference competition.

Saturday’s match gives the eight seniors an opportunity to celebrate their collegiate careers alongside teammates, coaches, family and friends as Upstate takes the field for its final regular-season home contest.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s matchup marks the conclusion of USC Upstate’s 2026 regular-season schedule as the Spartans prepare for the Big South Conference Tournament.

With a 3-3 conference record, Upstate will look to secure its fourth Big South victory of the season and carry momentum into postseason competition.

The Spartans will aim to finish the regular season on a strong note while celebrating their eight seniors and competing for valuable conference positioning against Winthrop.

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