AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team lost a hard-fought 3-1 decision to Saint Leo Sunday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 1-2 on the year while the Lions are 1-3.

Trailing 1-0 early in the first half, head coach Ike Ofoje's team earned a corner kick at the 21:40 mark. Seconds later, Kyllian Martin blasted a shot that was stopped by the keeper.

Down 2-0, USC Aiken drew three more corner kicks before Ricard Saintil's attempt was blocked in the 35^th minute of action. The Pacers went on the attack in the waning minutes of the period, but the team was unable to register another shot attempt.

USC Aiken continued to apply pressure throughout the second period, keeping the Lions from pushing forward. At the 83:54 mark, Marco Izurieta blasted home a loose ball in the box to make it 2-1.

Saint Leo netted a goal less than a minute later for a 3-1 advantage.

Ofoje's team continued to push forward to the offensive third of the pitch, but the squad was unable to get any closer the rest of the way.

For the match USC Aiken tallied eight shots, including four on goal. The Pacers registered 13 corner kicks compared to five by the visitors. Kenneth Kalek played all 90 minutes between the pipes. He stopped five shots.

The Pacers return to action Wednesday at home against Southern Wesleyan. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m.