Bantams Defeat SWCC in First Round of Playoffs

In a matchup between Southwest Virginia and USC Union on October 22, 2024, USC Union emerged victorious with a final score of 4-1. USC Union dominated the game with a strong offensive performance, outshooting Southwest Virginia 23-3.

The first half saw USC Union take a 2-0 lead with goals from Steve Ouattara and Mila Mzamane, assisted by Juan Rodas. Southwest Virginia fought back in the second half with a goal from Harrison Saunders, assisted by Fahad Hussain. However, USC Union continued to press forward with goals from Archie Danks and Steve Ouattara, securing the win.

The Bantams will continue in the Region 10 Championship this weekend. "The pressure is high, but we can use it to our advantage," said Julien Fodisch. "Every game could be our last game, so we have to play it each one with heart." Fodisch says it would be "awesome" to end his first semester in college with a championship win. Fodisch says that his first semester, moving from Germany to attend USCU, has brought a lot of personal developments, from learning to communicate better in English to improving his game. "My defending has improved a lot," he said. "Back in Germany, I didn't practice it a lot and didn't like to do it, but here, you have to." He says that, despite the team coming from many different nations and backgrounds, it was not difficult to come together as a team. "We all came together to achieve something," he said. "This season has been up and down, but now we are really focused on doing our best in each game."

Sophomore Donovan Cobb says it would be "spectacular" for the team to win region. Cobb has experienced a lot of growth during his time with Bantam soccer. As a team captain, he says he has had to learn to become more vocal and communicative and is now a better leader. Playing his last few games here has been "nostalgic", but he is excited to move on and to put forth his best effort in the upcoming championship. "We are a smaller team, but it's not about the numbers, it is about how much fight we have," he said. "It would be a big deal to put USC Union on the map as a soccer university, and I truly believe we can do it."

"It is exciting to see the soccer team entering the Region Championship for the second time in the program's history," said Athletic Director Zach Simmons. "We hope to continue this growth next year."