The USC Upstate women's soccer team is set to begin its 2026 campaign with a road test against College of Charleston on Sunday, August 16, at 6 p.m., marking the first game under head coach Sam Odell.
The Spartans enter the match carrying a 2‑0‑2 series deficit, having settled for three 2‑2 draws in five all‑time meetings, the most recent a September 4, 2024 stalemate in Spartanburg.
A Test of Early Momentum
Odell, who guided the squad to the Big South Tournament in 2025, is eager to register his first victory as head coach and to turn the tide of closely contested draws into a win that could energize the program.
The match also underscores a broader trend of the Spartans opening the season with a series of road games, a schedule that tests resilience and cohesion before the home crowd arrives.
As the team steps onto the Charleston field, the stakes extend beyond three points; they represent a narrative of perseverance and the hope that a long‑awaited breakthrough is imminent.