University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Photo by: Adrian Etheridge
Bulldogs Begin Big South Play at USC Upstate
09.27.2019 | Men's Soccer
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – UNC Asheville's men's soccer team begins its foray into the Big South Conference season when it makes the short trek to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to take on USC Upstate in a 7:30 p.m., Saturday, contest at County University Soccer Stadium.
The Bulldogs (1-6-1) enter the match after a narrow defeat against a talented Appalachian State squad, 1-0, Wednesday evening in a tightly-contested defensive battle.
A season ago, the Spartans and the Bulldogs squared off in an early-season matchup at Greenwood Field that the Spartans took, 2-0. The Spartans lead the all-time series, 4-1-1, and have a 2-1 record on their home pitch.
The match will be streamed live via ESPN+ HERE and fans can also follow the action via live stats HERE.
House of Payne
Freshman goalkeeper Jarrett Payne earned recognition as the Big South Freshman of the Week, September 9, for his performances against VMI, and namely, against Georgia State. Against the Panthers, Payne recorded 17 saves, including a diving stop on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute.
The rookie followed up that performance with 14 saves against Furman the following week. He has 62 total saves on the season, which is the most in the country and eight more than second place in the rankings.
Offensive Attack
Junior Tyson Hichman has been the go-to man in the early part of the season, leading the way with four goals scored in seven matches, which is tied for 50th in the country in goals scored. His four goals already equal the Bulldogs' individual team-high of four scored by Izaiah Vignali last season. He scored the Bulldogs' lone goal against UNC Greensboro, last Wednesday night. He has one game-winner as well, scoring the difference-maker against VMI at home, September 4.
Senior Dino Dziergas has moved to the back line this season, but has still maintained a presence in the offensive attack, scoring a goal on Senior Day against Georgia State. He also leads the team with two assists, recording a helper on Hichman's goal against Furman and his first of the year at Navy.
Junior Colin Daughtry has scored as well for the Bulldogs, and seniors Kyle Adams and Luiz Felipe Dantas have each come up with assists.
Scouting the Spartans
The Spartans sport a 1-4 record heading into Saturday's contest, and are coming off of a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in overtime at home against Mercer. Their lone victory of the season was a 2-0 outcome against Stetson in their home opener.
Pascal Corvino leads the Spartans with two goals on the season, while Joel Bunting, Roberto Umana, Moss Lewis have each scored once. Mario Arrocha is tops on the team with two assists, while Javier Torres, Solomon Constant and Pol Monells each have one helper on the year.
Luca Bulfon has started four of the Spartans' matches this season, recording 22 saves and allowing 10 goals.
The Bulldogs (1-6-1) enter the match after a narrow defeat against a talented Appalachian State squad, 1-0, Wednesday evening in a tightly-contested defensive battle.
A season ago, the Spartans and the Bulldogs squared off in an early-season matchup at Greenwood Field that the Spartans took, 2-0. The Spartans lead the all-time series, 4-1-1, and have a 2-1 record on their home pitch.
The match will be streamed live via ESPN+ HERE and fans can also follow the action via live stats HERE.
House of Payne
Freshman goalkeeper Jarrett Payne earned recognition as the Big South Freshman of the Week, September 9, for his performances against VMI, and namely, against Georgia State. Against the Panthers, Payne recorded 17 saves, including a diving stop on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute.
The rookie followed up that performance with 14 saves against Furman the following week. He has 62 total saves on the season, which is the most in the country and eight more than second place in the rankings.
Offensive Attack
Junior Tyson Hichman has been the go-to man in the early part of the season, leading the way with four goals scored in seven matches, which is tied for 50th in the country in goals scored. His four goals already equal the Bulldogs' individual team-high of four scored by Izaiah Vignali last season. He scored the Bulldogs' lone goal against UNC Greensboro, last Wednesday night. He has one game-winner as well, scoring the difference-maker against VMI at home, September 4.
Senior Dino Dziergas has moved to the back line this season, but has still maintained a presence in the offensive attack, scoring a goal on Senior Day against Georgia State. He also leads the team with two assists, recording a helper on Hichman's goal against Furman and his first of the year at Navy.
Junior Colin Daughtry has scored as well for the Bulldogs, and seniors Kyle Adams and Luiz Felipe Dantas have each come up with assists.
Scouting the Spartans
The Spartans sport a 1-4 record heading into Saturday's contest, and are coming off of a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in overtime at home against Mercer. Their lone victory of the season was a 2-0 outcome against Stetson in their home opener.
Pascal Corvino leads the Spartans with two goals on the season, while Joel Bunting, Roberto Umana, Moss Lewis have each scored once. Mario Arrocha is tops on the team with two assists, while Javier Torres, Solomon Constant and Pol Monells each have one helper on the year.
Luca Bulfon has started four of the Spartans' matches this season, recording 22 saves and allowing 10 goals.
Players Mentioned
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