ANDERSON, S.C. – The USCA women's soccer team lost a hard-fought 2-1 match at Anderson in the season-opening contest Thursday evening.

The Pacers are now 0-1 on the year while the Trojans are now 1-0.

The Trojans rattled off the first shot of the season in the sixth minute of action. In the 23^rd minute, Kaydence Moore turned away a shot, keeping the contest scoreless. Less than two minutes later, Moore rejected another attempt.

Head coach Adam Kleman's squad registered an attempt at the 37:43 mark when Olivia Pall blasted a shot toward the goal. However, it sailed just right of the frame.

At the start of the second half, Kleman made several substitutions, and it quickly paid off. Haley Howell found Brooke Salerno at the 50:56 mark for a 1-0 advantage. It marked Salerno's second career goal. Less than two minutes later, Payton Bates nearly made it 2-0, but her shot was saved.

Neither squad could muster a shot again until the Trojans had attempts miss high in the 66^th and 73^rd minute of play. AU tied the match at 1-1 at the 77:16 mark.

Moore recorded a save with just over 11 minutes to play. She was put to the test, turning away a pair of shots within 45 seconds. However, AU broke through with a double assisted goal with 4:46 to play.

For the match, Kleman's team was paced by Salerno's goal with her lone shot. Howell registered her first career assist. Bates notched a shot on goal while Pall had an attempt.

In goal, Moore played the entire match and stopped six shots.

The Pacers return to action Sunday when they play at Francis Marion at 5 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.