A dramatic free kick by Teo Jelaca in the 84th minute lifted Winthrop men’s soccer to a 2-1 victory over USC Upstate on Saturday, securing the Eagles a spot in the Big South Conference Tournament.
Winthrop (6-8-3, 3-3-1 Big South) took an early lead when Juma Baden drew and converted a penalty kick in the eighth minute. The Eagles carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime after controlling much of the first half.
USC Upstate (5-12, 3-4) tied the match in the 65th minute when Christian Cook converted a penalty kick following a handball in the box.
Winthrop nearly regained the lead two minutes later, but Evan Tubiolo’s header struck the crossbar.
The Eagles eventually broke through in the 84th minute after earning a free kick just outside the penalty area. Jelaca curled the shot into the upper-left corner, beating the diving goalkeeper to give Winthrop the decisive goal.
The goal was Jelaca’s fifth of the season and his third consecutive game with a score. Baden leads the Eagles with nine goals.
USC Upstate held a 16-14 advantage in total shots, but Winthrop finished with a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.
With the victory, Winthrop clinched a berth in the Big South Tournament and will host a quarterfinal match Wednesday, Nov. 4. The Eagles will be seeded third or fourth, with additional tournament details to be announced.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
