Bantams Triumph Over Lancers in a Thrilling Soccer Match
On October 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, USC Union delivered a stunning performance against USC Lancaster, securing a 4-2 victory in a match held in Jonesville. The game was marked by strategic plays, decisive goals, and a series of yellow cards that added tension to the encounter.
The match opened with a quick goal by USC Union’s Joshua Macdonald, assisted by Felix Hebbeler, in the 23rd minute. However, USC Lancaster swiftly responded just a minute later with Vinicius Teixeria scoring, thanks to an assist from George Talbot, leveling the score 1-1 by halftime.
The second half saw USC Union taking control with Massimo Rossie finding the net in the 56th minute, assisted by Max Manzelmann, who played a pivotal role throughout the match. Claudio Mirandola extended the lead to 3-1 in the 60th minute, again with assistance from Manzelmann. As the game progressed, Valerio Cuscina scored in the 80th minute with an assist from Julian Fodisch, bringing USC Union’s tally to four goals.
Despite the mounting pressure, USC Lancaster managed to score their second goal in the 87th minute, with Arnar Ingi Bjarnason converting another assist from George Talbot. However, it was not enough to overcome USC Union’s lead.
Both teams displayed strong defensive and offensive tactics, with USC Lancaster’s goalkeepers Miles Lett and Felix Bader making a combined total of six saves. USC Union’s goalies, Khairi Richardson and Alexander Garcia, also held their ground with three saves between them.
Mirandola, a freshman from Freiburg, Germany, scored his first conference goal during the game. “It wasn’t really beautiful, it was more like fighting for the goal,” he said. “It felt great to help the team.” He says that coming to the U.S. and seeing how playing style differs soccer in Europe has helped him grow as an athlete, as the game is more fast-paced her. “I have really improved my endurance,” he said.
Men’s Soccer Defeats USC Salkehatchie
On October 6, 2025, USC Union hosted USC Salkehatchie in a men’s soccer match that ended in a resounding 5-0 victory for the home team. The game, held in Jonesville, showcased USC Union’s offensive prowess and defensive strength, leaving USC Salkehatchie scoreless.
The match began with USC Union taking an early lead, as Max Manzelmann scored in the 3rd minute, assisted by Juan Rodas. The momentum continued when Valerio Cuscina found the net in the 23rd minute with an assist from Nathanial Greene, bringing the first half to a close with a 2-0 lead for USC Union.
The second half saw USC Union further assert their dominance. Steve Ouattara scored in the 65th minute with an assist from Felix Hebbeler. Valerio Cuscina added another goal to his tally in the 70th minute, this time unassisted. Just two minutes later, Ouattara scored again, assisted by Cuscina, sealing the 5-0 victory for USC Union.
USC Salkehatchie struggled to mount any significant offense, failing to register a single shot on goal throughout the match. In contrast, USC Union recorded 12 shots, with 10 on target. Goalkeeper Khairi Richardson was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet for USC Union, saving all six shots he faced during his 70 minutes on the field.
“This season we’ve been pulling in results,” said sophomore goalie Pablo Valverde. “Our goal during this game was to make goal a fortress. We really put in the work.”
“We defended well,” agreed Freddie Payne, a sophomore from Northwest London. “It was a really convincing win.”
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