MORROW, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a 5-1 decision at Clayton State Saturday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 2-12 overall and 1-6 against conference competition. The Lakers improve to 3-12 on the year and 1-6 against league foes.

Less than a minute into the contest, Clayton State took a 1-0 lead. However, USC Aiken pushed forward and Andre Simmond earned a corner kick at the 1:59 mark.

Moments later, Simmond took a free kick from the right side of the pitch. The ball sailed into the box where Nathan Shanko headed home the pass, tying the contest at 1-1.

At the 8:17 mark, the home team took the lead off a pass that was one-timed into the back of the net.

The Pacers continued to push forward and tallied three shots that narrowly missed the goal over the next six minutes of action. The shots were taken by Roberto Biendicho, Shanko and Rodrigo Goncalves.

Trailing 3-1, Nader Fakih's shot on goal was stopped in the 28^th minute of play. Samuel Andrews had a great opportunity, but the Lakers' keeper was up for the challenge in the 34^th minute.

USC Aiken trailed 4-1 entering the second half, but the energy level remained high. Shanko tallied a shot on goal while Adria Dalmau accounted for two shots on goal within the first eight minutes of the second half.

Goncalves rocketed a shot that was saved by a defender in the 67^th minute. However, that marked the last time the Pacers would have a shot on goal.

Orlando Maldovan played all 90 minutes between the pipes, registering seven stops.

For the match, USC Aiken was out-shot 20-14, including a 12-9 margin on goal. Head coach Ike Ofoje's team had 11 corner kicks to four by the home squad.

The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they host UNC Pembroke at 7 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.