AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-1 contest to Middle Georgia Wednesday afternoon in PBC action.
The Pacers are now 3-7 on the year, including 2-6 against conference foes. The Knights are now 4-7-2 overall, including 2-4-1 in league play.
Head coach
Nick Sakiewicz's team trailed 1-0 after the opening minute. From that point forward, the squad controlled the opening stanza.
Kenny Kwizera Jr., posted a shot that sailed right in the 15
th minute of action. Four minutes later,
Riad Zitouni had an attempt blocked as did
Alvaro Corcuera in the 21
st minute of play.
Kwizera Jr., registered a shot on goal at the 21:25 mark, but it was turned away. Kwizera continued the offensive attack in the 34
th minute after a well-placed ball into the box. However, his shot missed high of the frame.
Kwizera Jr., and Corcuera each had tremendous chances in the last five minutes of the period, but each shot on goal was stopped by the keeper as the Knights maintained a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Carlos Colomer had a beautiful shot from 20 yards out at the 52:03 mark, but his attempt was saved.
With 32:41 left to play, Zitouni found
Ayoub Ben Amar in the box, who quickly passed it back. Zitouni rocketed an attempt from the top right of the box to the left side of the goal. His attempt found the back of the net, knotting the score at 1-1.
Edgar Toms IV registered a pair of sensational saves moments later, keeping the contest knotted. Zitouni nearly posted his second goal of the day at the 71:51 mark, but the keeper managed to save it. Zitouni had another opportunity in the 81
st minute that was stopped by the Knights.
The visitors broke through with a goal at the 83:47 mark for what turned out to be the match-winning score.
For the match, USCA held a 24-12 edge in shots, including 13-6 on goal. Toms IV had four saves while playing all 90 minutes between the pipes.
The Pacers return to action Wednesday, Oct. 14 when they play at Flagler at 7 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
