Upstate Men's Soccer Faces Off Against South Carolina in Exciting Friday Night Showdown

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics' Men's Soccer team is set to face off against the University of South Carolina in a high-stakes matchup at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. The Spartans look to overcome the Gamecocks in their road trip, with a strong focus on containing South Carolina's top player, Junior Midfielder Mika Habel. As the teams prepare to clash, Vitalis Takawira Jr., a senior forward for Upstate, is eager to make his mark and contribute to the team's success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Upstate Men's Soccer team, led by coach Michael Antoniewicz, will face off against the University of South Carolina in a Friday night showdown at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium.
• The Gamecocks are led by Junior Midfielder Mika Habel, who currently leads the team with two goals scored.
• Vitalis Takawira Jr., a senior forward for Upstate, has familiarity with Antoniewicz's system and has started in both matches played for the Spartans.
• The Spartans aim to gameplan on slowing down Habel and spoiling South Carolina's home opener.
• Following the Friday night action, the Spartans will host the University of Alabama-Birmingham at the County University Soccer Stadium for home Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1 action at 6:00 P.M. eastern.

Statistics:

• Upstate Men's Soccer has a record of 0-1-1 (0-0 Big South) while South Carolina has a record of 1-1 (0-0 Sun Belt).
• The all-time series between the two teams favors South Carolina, with a 6-2 lead.
• Last five meetings between the teams have seen the following results:

+ Sept. 10, 2024 (USC 4, UPST 0)

+ Sept. 26, 2023 (UPST 4, USC 0)

+ Sept. 6, 2022 (USC 2, UPST 1)

+ Sept. 17, 2021 (UPST 1, USC 0)

+ Feb 17, 2021 (USC 1, UPST 0)

• Vitalis Takawira Jr. has logged 169 minutes between the team's first two matches and has one assist on the season.

Sources:

• Upstate Men's Soccer news release, dated August 29, 2025