Box Score FLORENCE, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team netted an early 1-0 lead at Francis Marion, but lost a 3-1 decision in the Peach Belt Conference quarterfinals.
The Pacers wrap up the season with an 8-5-3 record.
Head coach Ike Ofoje's team was challenged with a shot by the Patriots in the second minute of action, but Chase Boulton managed to turn away the shot, keeping the contest scoreless.
USC Aiken took its first shot of the night at the 12:07 mark as Nathan Shanko's attempt sailed wide of the frame. Shanko blasted a shot from the top of the box in the 20th minute of action, but it was blocked.
Jarrel Smalls attempted to head the ball into the back of the net, but his attempt was saved at the 26:05 mark.
After a yellow card by the Patriots, the Pacers earned a corner kick at the 27:21 mark. Five seconds later, the No. 4 seed was whistled for a handball in the box, giving USC Aiken a penalty kick. Andre Simmond promptly blasted home the ball for a 1-0 lead.
Ofoje's team had a couple of more opportunities in the waning minutes of the first period, but the squad was unable to convert any chances.
The Patriots netted the equalizer at the 47:53 mark of the match.
After a pair of shots by FMU, Smalls registered a shot that sailed waide of the target from the top of the box in the 59th minute of play. The Pacers earned a corner kick in the 63rd minute and Shanko took another shot, but missed wide.
The Patriots netted what turned out to be the game-winning goal at the 71:01 mark on a shot from 10 yards out. FMU tacked on another goal seven minutes later for the 3-1 margin.
Ofoje's team fought back, but Smalls and Dean Smith each were unable to convert shot attempts. Ryan Dwyer missed wide in the 84th minute. However, the Pacers had a great opportunity to slice the deficit to one, but the team missed a penalty kick in the 85th minute.
Boulton played 76:14 between the pipes, tallying five saves. Alessandro Gentile played the final 13:46 in the match.
USC Aiken held a 17-13 advantage in shots and an 8-3 margin in corner kicks.
