AIKEN, S.C. – Georgia Southwestern State University men's soccer created several opportunities throughout the night, but a first-half goal from USC Aiken proved to be the difference as the Hurricanes fell 1-0 to the Pacers Saturday night at Pacer Pit.
USC Aiken broke the scoreless tie in the 37th minute when Carlos Colomer found the back of the net at 36:10 following an assist from Melvin Maboungou. The goal gave the Pacers a 1-0 advantage heading into the final 53 minutes.
GSW was aggressive from the start and generated the first opportunities of the night. Bryan Garcia and Sean Carlos Rivera each recorded attempts inside the opening 12 minutes, while Rivera forced a save from USC Aiken goalkeeper Sean Simoncelli in the 18th minute.
The Hurricanes continued to apply pressure as Jose Monteagudo forced another save in the 28th minute before Mane Birovljev recorded a pair of attempts later in the half. GSW continued to search for the equalizer after falling behind, with Ryan Burns forcing another save with a header in the 44th minute.
GSW went into the break trailing despite holding a 7-4 advantage in shots over the opening 45 minutes.
The Hurricanes continued to create opportunities in the second half. Sam Bruns sent a header wide right in the 50th minute before Mac Vargas and Juan Franco each recorded attempts. Gustavo Vecino then forced a save from Simoncelli in the 61st minute.
The Hurricanes nearly found the equalizer in the 68th minute when Dante Johnson struck the crossbar, keeping GSW within one as the Hurricanes continued to push forward.
GSW continued to generate chances throughout the final 20 minutes. Mac Vargas and Mane Birovljev each had blocked attempts, while Sean Carlos Rivera sent an attempt wide in the 81st minute.
The Hurricanes had one final push late in the match, with Birovljev sending an attempt high in the 86th minute. USC Aiken nearly added an insurance goal moments later, but Nathan Grady came up with a save on Carlos Colomer's shot to keep the deficit at one.
The Pacers held on through the final whistle to secure the 1-0 victory.
The Hurricanes finished with a 17-8 advantage in shots and put four attempts on goal to USC Aiken's four. GSW also held a 10-4 advantage in shots during the second half. Birovljev led the Hurricanes with five shots, while Rivera recorded three and Vargas added two. Grady finished with three saves in goal.
Next Up
- The Hurricanes return home Wednesday for a Peach Belt Conference matchup against Flagler College at Hurricane Field.
