Box Score AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team earned its first win of the season, downing USC Beaufort by a 2-0 count Saturday afternoon.
With the win, the Pacers even their record at 1-1 while USC Beaufort falls to 1-3-1.
"This is a special team," head coach Sue Vodicka said. "They are willing to sacrifice for each other. It is really nice to get a win. We did a good job keeping the ball moving. Our defense was much better today than in our previous contest.
The Pacers gained control of the match early, firing shots from the outset. Caroline Gillespie registered the first attempt, but it was saved just 3:23 into the contest.
USC Aiken retained possession, earning a corner kick in the fifth minute. The visitors quickly countered, tallying a shot in the sixth minute, but Melissa Westphal easily gobbled up the attempt.
In the ninth minute, the Pacers went on the attack. Aubrey Danielson took another corner kick and Hannah Allison rocketed a shot that looked like it would find the back of the net, but a defender got a piece of it at the last second.
Just two minutes later, Megan Smits took a quick pass from Danielson and beat the keeper, who tried to come out and play the ball. Smits' quick feet and soft touch allowed the Pacers to jump out to a 1-0 advantage.
In the 54th minute, Vodicka's team broke through again. This time, it started with an excellent back heel touch by Kyle Maguire near midfield to Smits. She took it all the way down the left side of the pitch before crossing it to Hannah Allison, who one-timed it past the keeper for the 2-0 lead.
USC Aiken possessed the ball for much of the second half, having a few more scoring opportunities. When the visitors did challenge the defense, the back line played outstanding, not allowing a goal.
For the match, the Pacers recorded 22 shots, 10 of which were on frame. Westphal and Alli Edens each played a half, combining for the shutout.
USC Aiken tallied five corner kicks to four by USC Beaufort.
The Pacers return to action Sept. 10 when they host Coker. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m.
