FLORENCE, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a 2-1 decision at Francis Marion Thursday evening.
The Pacers are now 2-9 on the season and 1-4 against Peach Belt Conference teams. The Patriots improve to 5-6-1 overall and 4-2 against league competition.
After a scoreless first half, head coach
Ike Ofoje's team got on the board at the 52:25 mark of the contest.
Jordan Misiri's shot at the 51:49 mark was saved, but the Pacers continued to push forward.
Adria Dalmau played a ball through the defense to
Nathan Shanko. From 16 yards out, Shanko blasted the shot past the keeper for a 1-0 advantage. It marked his first goal of the season.
The Patriots managed to knot the contest two minutes later on a shot from 12 yards out.
Ofoje's squad countered as
Roberto Biendicho rocketed a shot from the left side of the pitch, but it was saved. Although
Andre Simmond took the ensuing corner kick, USC Aiken was unable to muster another shot on that possession.
The Pacers' defense stepped up a minute later as
Orlando Maldovan turned away a shot from inside the box. Then, in the 65
th minute, Misiri blasted an attempt that narrowly missed.
FMU missed a pair of shots wide, but Ofoje's team countered and quickly pushed forward. Misiri launched a shot from inside the box in the 76
th minute, but the keeper managed to tip it over the crossbar.
The Patriots tried to take the lead in the 81
st minute with a shot from close range. Although Maldovan stopped it, the ball trickled away. However, Maldovan was able to pounce on it before it crossed the line, keeping the score at 1-1.
FMU managed to net the game-winning goal at the 89:25 mark. USC Aiken was unable to get a shot off in the closing seconds.
For the match, the Pacers were out-shot 20-11, including a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal. Maldovan stopped seven shots while playing all 90 minutes between the pipes.
Both teams had six corner kicks.
The Pacers return to action Saturday at North Georgia. The match is slated for 7:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.