Box Score MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team netted a pair of second-half goals en route to a 2-1 victory at Montevallo Saturday evening in a Peach Belt Conference contest.
The Pacers are now 2-9-1 on the season, including a 2-4 mark against league foes.
After a scoreless first half, head coach Hilary George saw the host Falcons net a goal in the 51st minute of play for a 1-0 advantage.
George's team continued to push forward and in the 80th minute of action, the squad tied the match. At the 79:56 mark, Megan Smits tied the contest on a goal. Hannah Allison and Taylor Simmons were credited with assists on the play.
Simmons took the free kick from 35 yards out and booted the ball to the back post. Allison managed to gain control of it and play it back into the middle of the six-yard box, where Smits blasted home the tying score at 1-1.
Although the squads looked as if they would extend the match into an overtime contest, USC Aiken crowded the box. After the ball was knocked around, Akeyla Furbert found Emily May, who one-timed it toward the near post and promptly found the back of the net for what turned out to be the game-winning goal. It marked the first goal and points of her career with the Pacers.
Leading up to the score, Amanda Giordano made it happen as she made a brilliant run down the right side of the pitch. Giordano cut it back toward the center of the field and played it across to Smits. Seconds later, Furbert gained possession and played it to May for the score.
For the match, Nicole Cranny played all 90 minutes between the pipes. She registered five saves in the contest.
USC Aiken controlled the match throughout, especially in the second period. The team held a 15-10 advantage in shots, including a 9-2 effort in the final 45 minutes of action. The squad had six corner kicks compared to one by the Falcons. In all, just 12 fouls were called, including a mere five of George's team.
"I'm very pleased with the team," George said. "They've played well the last few matches and tonight we executed the game plan completely. We are crashing the box and are trying to get the numbers in the box. The team is starting to play like seasoned veterans and it is always great to get a PBC victory."
The Pacers return to action when they host Armstrong State Wednesday at 6 p.m. Live stats, video and audio are available at PacerSports.com.
