AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer team picked up a 3-2 win over Clayton State in the PBC opener Wednesday evening.

The Pacers are now 1-1 on the season while the Lakers fall to 1-2-2.

Davide Panucci broke the scoreless contest at the 38:06 mark. Uri-Malcolm Young flicked the ball to Panucci, who promptly took a touch and blasted the ball into the lower left of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

Moments earlier, Mohamed Abdullah nearly netted the team's first goal of the season from 15 yards out. On the right side of the box, Abdullah rocketed an attempt that nailed the crossbar, keeping the score at 0-0.

Panucci's tally was the lone goal of the first half despite aggressive play by both teams.

Head coach Ike Ofoje's team pushed the margin to 2-0 when Malcolm Young passed the ball to Fabian Avila on the left side. Avila secured the pass at the top of the box on the fast break and ripped the shot past the keeper for the two-goal lead.

The Lakers pulled within one at the 67:55 mark. With just over 10 minutes to play, Malcolm Young crossed the ball from the near side to the top of the box. Avila ripped the shot to the upper right of the goal for a 3-1 margin.  

Clayton State responded quickly with a goal four minutes later, making it 3-2.

For the match, Avila had two goals while Panucci registered one. Malcolm Young garnered three assists in the victory.

Defensively, Tyler Hughes posted 12 saves in his collegiate debut to earn the victory.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play at Georgia Southwestern at 7 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.