Box Score AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team lost a 2-1 decision to visiting Armstrong Wednesday evening in a Peach Belt Conference contest.
The Pacers now stand at 8-7 on the season and 3-5 against conference foes.
In the opening minutes of the contest, the Pirates pushed forward, but USC Aiken keeper Alli Edens and the defense stood strong, keeping the visitors at bay.
However, Armstrong broke through in the 12th minute with a goal into the lower right of the frame for a 1-0 advantage.
Head coach Sue Vodicka's team fought back, evening the contest after relentless pressure. Immediately following the Pirates' goal, the Pacers pushed forward and continued attacking.
At the 22:42 mark, Megan Smits blasted home a shot from 25 yards out, directly over the keeper's head to even the score. Smits cleared a way for her shot with fancy dribbling and fought off a defender as she spun toward the center of the pitch. Heading to her right, she pivoted and fired the ball for the goal.
As soon as Armstrong gained possession, the Pirates began attacking USC Aiken's defensive third. Seventeen seconds after Smits' score, Armstrong scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
For the match, the Pirates totaled 14 shots to just two by the Pacers. USC Aiken held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Edens notched three saves in the match while Heaven Tylee was also credited with a shot in the opening period.
The Pacers return to action Saturday at 5 p.m., when they host Clayton State in a crucial Peach Belt Conference contest.
