AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team dropped a hard fought 3-0 decision to Lenoir-Rhyne Friday night in the season opener.

The Pacers are now 0-1 on the season while the Bears improve to 1-0.

After fending off a pair of solid chances by the visitors, head coach Ike Ofoje's team went to work in the 14^th minute. The squad made a few solid passes before Andre Simmond ripped a shot that was stopped by the keeper.

USC Aiken's defense was strong on a corner kick, but the Bears broke through in the 36^th minute of action for a 1-0 lead.

The Pacers recorded back-to-back corner kicks in the 60^th minute, but the squad was unable to convert.

The Bears managed to add another tally in the 65^th minute. However, USC Aiken would continue to battle.

Simmond tallied a shot that narrowly missed at the 68:32 mark. In the 71^st minute, Machi Provost rocketed a shot from 15 yards out that hit the post and bounced away.

For the match, USC Aiken was outshot 10-3. Boulton played all 90 minutes between the pipes, registering a pair of saves.

The Pacers return to action Monday when they host SCAD at 4:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.