Box Score AIKEN, SC--Defense dominated on a cold Saturday night of Peach Belt Conference men's soccer at "Pacer Pit" in Aiken, SC. Despite 90 minutes of regulation play and two 10-minute overtime periods, USC Aiken (6-9-1, 0-5-1 PBC) and 14th ranked Clayton State (12-3-2, 2-2-2 PBC) played to a 0-0 tie. It marked the first 0-0 tie for USC Aiken since September 29, 1993 versus Erskine. Tonight was the first ever 0-0 tie for USCA versus a PBC foe.
Shots were mostly even after 90 minutes of play with the Pacers holding a slim 12-9 edge. With 3:01 remaining in the first overtime, Zuca Palladino fired a shot from inside the box that was deflected just wide of the goal. Fifteen seconds later, Michael Lynch's header went just to the right of the post.
The Lakers continued pressure in the first overtime when Pacer goalkeeper
Peter Calabrese had to make a diving save on David Dowling's header with just inside a minute to play.
Calabrese recorded five saves in his first shutout of the season.
Also playing well in net was Laker goalkeeper Matt Jennings. CCSU's All-Conference keeper Warren van der Westhuizen had played every minute of the last three years, but received a red card in the final 10 seconds at Tusculum earlier in the week. As a result, Jennings saw his first ever collegiate action.
The Pacers biggest threat came with 0:02 on the clock in the first OT. Senior
AJ Ikourou blasted a shot from 30 yards out that was just high of the crossbar. In the second overtime, senior
John Mulroy had a good look from 15 yards out but it too sailed high.
At halftime, USC Aiken honored seven seniors playing in their last home match. They are:
AJ Ikourou,
Adam Williams,
Haroon Saleem,
Nicholas Arrington,
John Mulroy,
Qunicy Cooper, and
Shawn Dodaro.
With the regular season complete, the Pacers will open play in the first round of the 2002 Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Wednesday, November 6 versus an opponent yet to be determined.
Men's Soccer 1 2 OT OT Final
#14 Clayton State 0 0 0 0 0
USC Aiken 0 0 0 0 0
