#6 USC Upstate Blanks #3 UNC Asheville, 1-0, Advances to Semifinals
By USC Upstate Athletics
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A second-half goal from David Palade and a strong defensive performance propelled the USC Upstate men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over UNC Asheville on Wednesday afternoon at Greenwood Field in the Quarterfinals of the Big South Conference Tournament.
Palade netted his fourth goal of the season just over four minutes into the second half, while goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin recorded four saves to secure the clean sheet. With the victory, the Spartans improved to 6-12-0 overall, while UNC Asheville fell to 9-6-2, and ending the Bulldogs season.
The opening 45 minutes featured a defensive battle, with neither side able to break through. Upstate generated three shots in the first half, compared to two from the Bulldogs, while earning a pair of corner kicks. Jacob Cromedy registered the Spartans' first shot in the 20th minute before Max Beullens and Xande Santos added opportunities later in the period.
Coming out of halftime, the Spartans wasted little time finding the breakthrough. In the 50th minute (49:07), Palade capitalized on an opportunity created by Christian Cook, finding the back of the net to give Upstate a 1-0 advantage. Cook was credited with the assist on what proved to be the game-winning goal.
UNC Asheville responded with increased offensive pressure, generating 11 second-half shots in search of an equalizer. However, Wuerslin and the Spartan defense stood firm, turning away several dangerous opportunities.
Wuerslin made a key stop in the 51st minute before denying Tyler Ware in the 63rd minute. He continued his strong performance with saves in the 74th and 79th minutes, preserving Upstate's one-goal advantage.
The Spartans continued creating opportunities of their own, with Jayden Montgomery forcing a save from Asheville goalkeeper Lucca Barros in the 66th minute. Cook nearly added an insurance goal in the 84th minute, but his shot was turned away.
Despite six second-half corner kicks from the Bulldogs, the Upstate back line held strong through the final whistle, securing the 1-0 road victory.
Upstate will play in the Big South Semifinal game Sunday at Gardner-Webb, in Boiling Springs, NC.
Notables
* David Palade scored his fourth goal of the season in the 50th minute, recording the game-winner on one of his two shots.
* Christian Cook registered the assist on Palade's goal while leading the Spartans with three shots, including one on goal.
* Jarrett Wuerslin played all 90 minutes in goal, collecting four saves and recording a shutout.
* The Spartans finished with 11 shots, including eight in the second half, while UNC Asheville recorded 13 total attempts.
* Upstate earned four corner kicks, while Asheville finished with six.
* Jayden Montgomery added two shots off the bench, including one on target.
* The victory improved USC Upstate's overall record to 6-12-0.