AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA women's soccer team lost a hard-fought 2-1 match in the home opener Saturday evening.
The Pacers are now 0-2-2 on the season.
Head coach
Adam Kleman's team tried to get on the board early on, but
Ellie Thompson's shot sailed to the left of the goal. After
Kaydence Moore came up with two saves over the next four minutes of work,
Lexi Blasberg attempted a shot, but it missed to the right of the goal in the 11
th minute of action.
Mackenzie Cochrane's header was stopped by the keeper at the 20:46 mark, keeping the contest scoreless.
The Knights got on the board in the 27
th minute, but Kleman's team went on the offensive right away.
Gillian Young's shot on goal was thwarted by the keeper at the 29:28 mark. Moments later, newcomer
Brooke Morrison took a pass from
Avery List and promptly blasted the ball into the back of the net, making it 1-1 at the 31:53 mark.
Four minutes later, MGA recorded another score, pushing the margin to 2-1 in the 36
th minute of action. The team had a pair of chances late in the first half, but
Mia Duncan's shot was saved while Raegan Leonard's attempt missed to the right.
Kleman's team was aggressive in the early moments of the second half. Blasberg and
Brooke Salerno each had shots on goal, but both were stopped by the keeper.
Haley Howell's attempt was wide in the 51
st minute of action.
USCA rattled off five consecutive shots over a 14-minute span, including two on goal, but none were able to connect for a score.
In the waning moments, List missed to the left of the frame. Salerno and Thompson each had shots that were just off target, resulting in the 2-1 final score.
For the match, Morrison scored a goal while List earned an assist. Blasberg had four shots, including one on goal. Duncan's three attempts were all on frame. Thompson had three shots while Cochrane and Salerno had two shots apiece.
In goal, Moore played all 90 minutes. She wrapped up the evening with five saves.
The Pacers return to action Wednesday when they host Newberry at 4:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.