Gardner-Webb (11-1-2) continued their impressive season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over USC Upstate (4-9-1) on Saturday afternoon. The Runnin' Bulldogs extended their unbeaten streak while handing the Spartans their fifth consecutive loss.
Franco Ocana delivered the decisive goal for Gardner-Webb in the 18th minute, assisted by Samson Kpardeh. The opening goal came from Kpardeh himself in the 6th minute, while Oskar Kaufmann pulled one back for USC Upstate in the 27th minute off an assist from Vitalis Takawira Jr.
The first half saw Gardner-Webb assert their dominance early, with Tiago Campos testing Jarrett Wuerslin in the USC Upstate goal within the opening minutes. Robbie Lyons created several chances, including a blocked shot in the 2nd minute, while Lewis Johnson forced a save shortly after. The visitors maintained pressure through set pieces, earning three corners before the 30-minute mark.
USC Upstate showed more attacking intent after the break, with Vitalis Takawira Jr and Lucas Bergfors combining well in midfield. Gardner-Webb goalkeeper Alan Horrocks was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves in the 60th and 75th minutes. The introduction of substitutes Jaylen Orr and Filipe Moreira in the 64th and 74th minutes respectively helped Gardner-Webb maintain their advantage.
The match statistics reflected Gardner-Webb's overall control, outshooting USC Upstate 21-12 with seven shots on target compared to the hosts' six. The corner kick battle was closely contested, with USC Upstate earning seven to Gardner-Webb's six. The physical nature of the game was evident in the card count, with nine yellow cards shown - five to USC Upstate and four to Gardner-Webb.
Alan Horrocks finished with five saves for Gardner-Webb, including a crucial stop from Josh Zawlocki's low drive in the 61st minute. For USC Upstate, Jarrett Wuerslin matched that total with five saves of his own, notably denying Franco Ocana in the 54th minute. Samson Kpardeh was particularly influential for the visitors before being substituted in the 68th minute for Jalen Moore.
Gardner-Webb's tactical approach focused on controlling possession through midfield, with Tiago Campos and Robbie Lyons orchestrating the attack. USC Upstate attempted to counter through quick transitions, utilizing the pace of Vitalis Takawira Jr and the creativity of Lucas Bergfors, who was introduced as a substitute in the 26th minute.
The result maintains Gardner-Webb's impressive form, having lost just once this season. Their defensive organization, led by Leo Andrade and Pius Ssebulime, proved crucial in securing their eleventh win. For USC Upstate, despite showing moments of promise, their struggles in front of goal continued as they suffered their ninth defeat of the campaign.
Both teams made tactical adjustments throughout the match, with USC Upstate head coach introducing fresh attacking options including Tolu Fabamifobee and Caedon Reynolds at halftime. Gardner-Webb's disciplined defensive structure ultimately proved decisive, though they were tested by USC Upstate's late surge, including Henry Burt's header attempt in the 75th minute that required a sharp save from Horrocks.
Gardner-Webb will look to maintain their momentum when they host High Point on October 25, while USC Upstate faces a quick turnaround with an away fixture at Campbell on October 21, seeking to end their losing streak.