GREENWOOD, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a 3-1 contest at No. 19 Lander Saturday afternoon in a Peach Belt Conference contest.

The Pacers are now 3-6-1 on the season and 1-3 in league play. The Bearcats improve to 9-2 overall and 5-0 against conference competition.

Head coach Ike Ofoje's team played well in the early going, but neither team could convert opportunities.

Kento Ito rattled off USC Aiken's first shot on goal, which occurred in the sixth minute of play. Ito's attempt in the 15^th minute was blocked as the contest remained scoreless.

Lander broke through with a goal at the 35:43 mark and tacked on another tally in the 40^th minute for a 2-0 edge. However, Ofoje's team continued to battle.

In the 44^th minute, Brett Smith launched a shot, but it sailed high of the frame as it remained 2-0 heading into the second period.

USC Aiken got on the board quickly in the second period. Guiseppe Cimino found Driss Baraket, who blasted one to the far post to make it 2-1 from 30 yards out.

The Bearcats managed to get the goal back in the 54^th minute for a 3-1 advantage. Roberto Biendicho and Ito nearly cut into the deficit in the 86^th minute, but each attempt was thwarted by the keeper.

For the match, USC Aiken was outshot 12-8., but held a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Leonarda Targia played 45 minutes between the pipes as did Chase Boulton, who accounted for a save in the match.

The Pacers return to action Wednesday, Oct. 11, when they host Francis Marion at 7:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.