ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA - Oskar Kaufmann needed just 20 minutes and 5 seconds to write the story of UNC Asheville's emphatic victory by slotting home his first goal before a crowd of 654 at Greenwood Field, and setting the tone for what became a relentless onslaught that ultimately left USC Upstate reeling 5-1.
The early breakthrough by Kaufmann, assisted by Vitalis Takawira Jr.'s incisive pass, commanded USC Upstate's attention, but the Spartans struggled to respond effectively. The visitors' defense absorbed the initial pressure, but UNC Asheville's persistence eventually paid dividends as Rodrigo Mendes doubled the lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a USC Upstate defensive lapse.
The first half was marked by UNC Asheville's aggressive pressing and tactical discipline, which allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game. Takawira Jr's creative playmaking was instrumental in unlocking the USC Upstate defense, and his weighted pass to Kaufmann in the 20th minute epitomized The Running Eagles' attacking prowess. USC Upstate managed to withstand the pressure, but their counter-attacks lacked the precision needed to trouble the UNC Asheville goalkeeper.
As the second half commenced, Kaufmann continued where he left off, rifling home his second goal of the match in the 49th minute. The USC Upstate defense, already reeling from the early goal, was left bewildered as Kaufmann's clinical finish exposed their vulnerabilities. The Spartans' struggles continued as Kaufmann completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute, assisted by Caedon Reynolds' pinpoint cross. The USC Upstate backline was torn apart as Kaufmann's predatory instincts allowed him to latch onto the cross and dispatch the ball past the goalkeeper.
The rout was all but complete as Kaufmann scored his fourth goal of the match in the 74th minute, with Vitalis Takawira Jr and Oscar Kelly combining to provide the assist. Kelly then scored the fifth goal for UNC Asheville two minutes later, assisted by Takawira Jr's precise through ball. USC Upstate's only goal came too little, too late, as the Bulldogs' defense marshaled their resources to prevent further damage.
The statistical ledger reveals UNC Asheville edging USC Upstate 12-11 in shot attempts. However, both teams managed just five shots on target each, highlighting the clinical finishing that UNC Asheville displayed throughout the match. The Bulldogs also held a marginal advantage in corner kicks, earning seven to USC Upstate's four, though they capitalized on their set-piece opportunities more effectively.
The victory represents a significant boost for UNC Asheville as they prepare for their upcoming clash against #1 High Point in the 2025 MSOC Big South Championship. The win extends their winning streak to two games, and they will look to build on this momentum against the top-ranked team. For USC Upstate, the loss continues their two-match losing streak, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid further slippage in the standings. The Spartans' record now stands at 7-7-2 overall and 3-3-1 in conference play.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that Oskar Kaufmann had written his name into the record books with a stunning four-goal haul. The afternoon belonged to UNC Asheville, and Kaufmann's performance will be remembered for a long time. With their next opponent being the top-ranked High Point, The Running Eagles will be looking to carry this form into the championship match.
Key Players:
Oskar Kaufmann (UNC Asheville) – The prolific striker scored four goals, showcasing his predatory instincts and clinical finishing ability throughout the match.
Vitalis Takawira Jr (UNC Asheville) – The creative midfielder orchestrated UNC Asheville's attack, providing two assists and dictating the tempo of the game with his intelligent distribution.
Rodrigo Mendes (UNC Asheville) – The midfielder doubled UNC Asheville's lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a USC Upstate defensive lapse and showcasing his tactical awareness.
Caedon Reynolds (UNC Asheville) – The midfielder provided a pinpoint cross that assisted Kaufmann's third goal, highlighting his ability to pick out dangerous passes.
Oscar Kelly (UNC Asheville) – The forward scored the fifth goal for UNC Asheville and provided an assist for Kaufmann's fourth, demonstrating his threat in the attacking third.