CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer team fell 3-1 to USC Upstate on Sunday afternoon at the Queens Sports Complex. The Royals struck first on Senior Day, but three unanswered goals from the Spartans in the opening half proved to be the difference. Queens moves to 1-5-1 on the season, while USC Upstate improves to 4-2-2.
SCORING SUMMARY
6:11 - QUEENS - Emma Miller (Assist: Tamia Ford)
13:14 - USC UPSTATE - Katelyn Economopoulos (Assist: Liana Bryant)
14:17 - USC UPSTATE - Lily MacCausland
24:01 - USC UPSTATE - Annabelle Wunderlich
Turning Point
Queens came out with high pressure against the USC Upstate backline and was rewarded just over six minutes into the match. A strong press from Tamia Ford forced a turnover off a Spartans goal kick just outside the box. Ford quickly stepped away from the ball as Emma Miller came flying in and connected on a one-time strike into the right side of the net to give the Royals an early 1-nil advantage. The Spartans responded seven minutes later when Katelyn Economopoulos found the equalizer in the 14th minute before Lily MacCausland added another just 63 seconds later to put USC Upstate ahead 2-1. Annabelle Wunderlich added the visitors' third and final goal in the 25th minute. Queens settled in defensively from there and held the Spartans scoreless throughout the entire second half, but the Royals were unable to find the goals needed to complete the comeback as Upstate held on for the 3-1 decision.
Key Stats & Notes
- Emma Miller netted the first collegiate goal of her career, giving the Royals an early 1-0 advantage in the seventh minute.
- Tamia Ford recorded her first assist of the season on Miller's opening tally.
- Emily Protiva was the only Royal to play the full 90 minutes, recording six saves while facing 13 USC Upstate shots.
- Protiva made four of her six saves in the second half as Queens held the Spartans scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
- USC Upstate held a 13-5 advantage in total shots and a 9-4 edge in shots on goal.
- Miller, Grace Acevedo, Ava Elizarraraz and Shion Hwang each placed one shot on target for Queens.
- The Spartans held a narrow 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
- The two sides combined for 14 fouls, with Queens committing 11 and USC Upstate three.
- Senior Madeline Cheatham logged 26 minutes of action on Senior Day.
Up Next
The Royals will hit the road for their final non-conference matchup of the regular season when they travel to Conway, S.C., to face Coastal Carolina University on Thursday, September 17. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Social Media
Be sure to follow the Queens Women's Soccer team on Facebook, X, and Instagram throughout the 2026 season to get the latest news and updates. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok by searching @QueensAthletics.
