Box Score MORROW, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a 2-0 decision against Anderson in the season-opening match that was hosted by Clayton State.
The Pacers are now 0-1 on the season.
In the 28th minute, Andre Simmond lofted a corner kick and Nader Fakih rocketed a shot toward the frame that was thwarted by a defender. USC Aiken's Nathan Shanko managed to sneak past a defender and blasted a shot toward the frame, but the keeper managed to register another save.
Just prior to halftime, the Trojans took a 1-0 lead off a penalty kick. Sandre Duncan was called for a hand ball in the box when a cross hit his arm while he was in mid-air. However, he was whistled for the violation and AU converted the penalty kick.
In the 69th minute of action, Dean Smith controlled the ball near midfield and streaked toward the box. After juking a defender, Smith rocketed a shot toward the frame that was just high of the goal.
The designated home team added a second score in the 71st minute of action.
Jordan Misiri tried to pull USC Aiken within one in the 84th minute, but his attempt went high. Fakih's blast one minute later hit the post and bounced back into play. Shanko headed one towards the frame off the rebound, but it was off target.
USC Aiken held a 17-10 advantage in shots and both teams tallied five shots on goal. Head coach Ike Ofoje's team held a 6-5 lead in corner kicks.
Andre Bernardini played all 90 minutes between the pipes and stopped three shots in his debut.
The Pacers return to action Saturday at 6 p.m., when they square off against Erskine in the final contest for each team in the 10th Annual Loch Shop Shootout.
