SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Gardner-Webb University men's soccer team fell in their Saturday evening match at USC Upstate by a final score of 2-1. Junior midfielder Kaelan Debbage scored his first career goal for Gardner-Webb in the contest.
 
"Same story different day.", said coach Wells. "Outside the boxes we were fantastic. We controlled the majority of the game. We out possessed, and outshot. We actually had some really good opportunities in the first half there. Their keeper made some great saves. Then we switch off in small details. They get one chance, they score it. We go in 1-0 at halftime. They get one chance in the second half, they score it. Kaelan did score, which is great but it was too little too late. It's not acceptable. I think it comes to a point where if we're seeing that these statistics are going in our favor, why are we not scoring more goals? And I think there has to be accountability on the players as well. But overall, for our first season together I definitely see some players within this group that are going to develop and be great division I players. There's definitely a lot we need to work on in so many different avenues."

The contest saw USC Upstate strike first in the 33^rd minute as Luke Halkett put the Spartans ahead. They took the one goal lead into the second half before Jeremy Montero extended the lead to two in the 50^th minute. Kaelan Debbage tallied his first career goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs to cut into the Spartan lead in the 70^th minute. He was assisted by Clement Scaccia on the play. Despite Gardner-Webb outshooting USC Upstate, the Spartans held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs will finish their non-conference slate on Tuesday, Oct. 24 when they travel to Campbell for 7:00 p.m. kickoff.