Presbyterian College Women’s Soccer Faces Defeat Against USC Upstate
In a closely contested match on October 6, 2026, the Presbyterian College women’s soccer team traveled to Spartanburg, S.C., to take on USC Upstate in their third Big South Conference game of the season. The game showcased a strong start by the home team, resulting in a final score of 4-1 in favor of USC Upstate.
Match Summary
The Blue Hose struggled in the first half as USC Upstate’s offense found the net four times through different players, scoring at the 12th, 16th, and 27th minutes. Additionally, a penalty kick just before halftime allowed the Spartans to solidify their lead.
Scoring Highlights
- USC Upstate scored four goals in the first half.
- Presbyterian’s Maddi Merryweather netted a goal early in the second half, marking her third goal against Big South teams during her career.
Game Analysis
Following the halftime break, Presbyterian College demonstrated improved defensive pressure, successfully holding USC Upstate scoreless in the second half. Merryweather’s goal came in the 49th minute, following a precise pass from teammate Emilia Lieber, although it was not enough to turn the tide of the match.
Team Performance
The match saw USC Upstate take a total of 22 shots, with nine on target, while earning 11 corner kicks. In goal for Presbyterian, freshman keeper Alexa Garcia played the full match and managed to record five saves.
Noteworthy performances included Lyla Chadd, who participated in her 59th consecutive match, moving closer to a significant milestone. Meanwhile, Maddie Smith, a sophomore forward who transferred from USC Upstate, played 59 minutes against her former team.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, the Blue Hose will have two home matches at Martin Stadium next week. They are set to face South Carolina State on October 6 at 7:00 PM before competing against Charleston Southern on October 3.
Final Score and Records
The final score of the match was USC Upstate 4, Presbyterian 1. Following this game, Presbyterian’s season record stands at 2 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, while USC Upstate boasts a record of 7 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses.
This match represented a challenging moment for Presbyterian College as they continue to navigate their current season within the Big South Conference.