The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer team is gearing up to kick off their 2024 regular season with a match against the USC Upstate Spartans at the UNCG Soccer Stadium on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. This exciting season opener promises to be a thrilling showdown between two competitive teams vying for an early victory.
Last season, UNCG finished with a 2-10-5 record, including a 1-2-2 mark in The Southern Conference (SoCon) action. The Spartans‘ 2023 season came to an end in the first round of the SoCon Tournament with a 3-1 loss to Mercer. Sophomore forward Arnaud Tattevin was a standout player for UNCG, leading the team with seven goals and 14 points. Tattevin’s performance will be crucial for the Spartans as they look to start the new season on a high note.
Heading into the 2024 season, UNCG has been selected to finish third in the SoCon Preseason Poll, receiving one first-place vote. Senior midfielder Basile Marc and Tattevin were named to the All-SoCon preseason team, highlighting the talent and experience on the Spartans‘ roster. Under the guidance of Head Coach Chris Rich, UNCG has enjoyed success in recent years, winning multiple SoCon titles and making NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Spartans‘ roster boasts 15 returning players, including key contributors like Emmanuel Hagan and Marc, who started in all 17 matches last season. Additionally, UNCG has welcomed 13 newcomers, with a recruiting class ranked No. 44 in the country by TopDrawerSoccer. The team’s depth and talent across all positions bode well for their prospects in the upcoming season.
On the other side of the pitch, USC Upstate finished last season with a 5-10-2 record and is looking to improve upon their performance this year. The Spartans hold a 4-1-0 advantage in the all-time series against USC Upstate, with their last meeting resulting in a dominant 7-1 victory for UNCG. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for UNCG to continue their winning streak against their opponents.
As the UNCG men’s soccer team prepares to take the field for their season opener, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game. With a mix of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers, the Spartans are poised to make a strong statement in the SoCon this season. Be sure to catch all the action as UNCG faces off against USC Upstate and sets the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season of collegiate soccer.