USC Union Dominates Denmark Technical College with an 8-0 Victory
On September 3, USC Union’s men’s soccer team delivered a commanding performance against Denmark Technical College, securing an impressive 8-0 victory. The match, held at USC Union’s home ground, showcased the team’s offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
USC Union took control early in the game, with Max Manzelmann opening the scoring in the 24th minute, assisted by Matias Jaramillo. Just six minutes later, Jamison Stewart-Mann doubled the lead, thanks to an assist from Manzelmann, setting the tone for what turned out to be a dominant display.
The second half saw USC Union ramp up their attacking efforts, with Juan Rodas scoring in the 60th minute, assisted by Felix Hebbeler. Andre Hoepelman added another in the 64th minute, with Gabrial Caldera providing the assist. The team continued to apply pressure, with Steve Ouattara scoring twice, in the 73rd and 77th minutes, both assisted by the influential Manzelmann. Manzelmann, who was a standout performer, also scored an unassisted goal in the 74th minute. Julian Fodisch capped off the scoring in the 81st minute, with Manzelmann once again providing the assist.
USC Union’s defense was equally impressive, with goalkeepers Khairi Richardson and Alexander Garcia each playing a half and making a combined total of seven saves to maintain a clean sheet.
Overall, USC Union’s comprehensive victory was a testament to their skill and teamwork. The win serves as a strong statement for USC Union as they continue their season, showcasing their potential to be a formidable force.
Andre Hoepelman, sophomore defensive back from Florida, said that the team started slow in this game but was able to gain momentum in the second half. “I hope we can go into the next game with the same intensity that we had in the second half,” he said. Hoepelman, who just transfered to USC Union this year, said he appreciates thaty there is “a lot of love” for soccer on campus.
Pablo Valverde, a sophomore defensive back from Galicia, Spain, is proud of the team’s progress so far this season. They were able to hold their own against Coker University and Bob Jones University, who were both nationally ranked last year. “My goal is to keep the comradery on the team as the season goes on,” he said.
“This semester is going really well,” said Massimo Rossi, a freshman centerback from Italy, speaking about his goals for the team and for himself as a student athlete. His goal is to make good grades this semester and win region. “Winning against Denmark was a good feeling for the team.”
“I want the team to go as far as possible,” said Josh Macdonald, a sophomore defensive back from England. He says he plans to finish this seasons strong and continue studying and playing at another school after graudation.
“One thing we are getting right this season is that the team has bonded really well,” said Max Manzelmann, a freshman forward from Germany who made the first goal against Denmark and led in assists for the game. “We have good chemistry. In the second half of the game we worked to get into a flow and ended up making four goals in ten minutes. We earned it throughout the game.”
Bantams Defeat Lancers 1-0
USC Union earned a narrow 1–0 road victory over USC Lancaster thanks to a first-half strike from Max Manzelmann. The decisive moment came in the 28th minute, when Manzelmann finished a setup from Steve Ouattara to give Union the lead.
USC Union generated the sharper attack, recording 6 shots on goal compared to Lancaster’s 1. Manzelmann was the most dangerous player on the field, tallying 3 shots (2 on target) and scoring the game’s only goal. Ouattara also played a key role, creating chances and providing the lone assist. In goal, Pau Gimenez secured the shutout for Union with 1 save across the full 90 minutes.
Despite Lancaster’s efforts, they couldn’t find a breakthrough, managing just 1 shot on target all match. With a disciplined defensive display, USC Union held firm to secure the clean sheet and the win.
“The team is making an effort in every single game,” said Gimenez, freshman goalie from Barcelona, Spain. “We are playing passionately. It is not only about scoring goals, the most important thing is that you are enjoying it.” Gimenez said moving to Union has been a welcome change of scenery, as it is “a lot more chill” than his hometown. “My main goal for my first semester of college is to keep improving,” he said.
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