Box Score AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a 3-1 decision to No. 24 Young Harris Wednesday afternoon.
The Pacers are now 2-2-2 on the season, including an 0-1 mark against league foes.
In the opening frame, USC Aiken had a superb chance to take the lead. At the 5:34 mark, Andre Simmond launched a corner kick into the box. As the ball soared to the far side of the frame, Dean Smith outjumped a pair of defenders and headed the ball toward the goal. However, the Mountain Lions' keeper managed to snuff out the shot, keeping it scoreless at that point.
Head coach Ike Ofoje's team was kept out of the offensive third of the pitch for much of the half. The squad played solid defense, but YHC managed to take a 1-0 lead at the 37:20 mark.
In the second period, USC Aiken pushed forward and Jarrel Smalls had a shot in the box that was blocked. The Pacers earned a corner kick, but it sailed wide of the box and the squad was unable to convert it into another chance on frame.
In the ensuing moments, the intensity level picked up and USC Aiken was whistled for three yellow cards within a three-minute span. As YHC played the ball into the offensive third, a foul was called on the home team. The Mountain Lions took the kick and flicked it into the box. A header pushed the score to 2-0 in favor of the visitors.
Gabriel Locher pulled the team within one at the 64:52 mark. The Mountain Lions' keeper tried to clear the ball, but was unable to do so successfully. The attempt went straight to Locher, who headed the ball in from 15 yards out.
USC Aiken continued to push forward and the contest was played primarily in the team's offensive third. However, YHC was able to tack on a goal in the 80th minute for a 3-1 edge.
The Pacers return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when they play at Lander. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m.
