Pacers Upset No. 2 Seed Clayton State; Advances to Semifinals

MORROW, GA – The No. 7 seed USC Aiken men’s soccer team upset the No. 2 seeded Clayton State on Tuesday November 4 in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, 4-2, in penalty kicks to move to the semifinals of the tournament. This is the second time in the last three seasons that the Cardinal and Navy has eliminated the Lakers in the tournament.

The Pacers went ahead half way through the first period when sophomore midfielder Troy Watson received a pass from senior forward Kofi Akyere on the right side of the penalty box for the point. This was Watson’s second goal of the season and Akyere’s second assist.

Late in the period, Clayton State’s Leighton Fredericks tied it up when he took a shot in front of the goal off a pass by teammate Patrick Ahern.

Minutes into the second period, the Lakers went ahead on a shot by Angel Kaliov at the top of the penalty box. Johnny Lara recorded the assist on the goal.

Four minutes after going ahead, Clayton State’s goalie David Cristofoli allowed the tying shot to go into the net that forced overtime for the two teams. Junior defenseman John Lesko took the shot in front of the net for his second goal of the season.

The Pacers and Lakers both shot a combined four shots in the two overtimes but nothing went passed either goalie for the win. Still tied going into the penalty kicks the Cardinal and Navy had the edge getting four shots into the net to sophomore goalie Milad Zareian only allowing two shots to get passed him.

The Pacers will continue in the PBC Tournament on Friday November 7 when the No. 7 seed will take on No. 3 Lander in Evans, GA. First whistle is slated for 5:30 p.m. at Blanchard Woods Park.

USCA 2, Clayton State 2
Penalty Kicks USCA 4-2

Scoring Summary
1. USCA T. Watson (K. Akyere) 24:46
2. Clayton L. Fredricks (P. Ahern) 42:50
3. Clayton A. Kalinov (J. Lara) 46:41
4. USCA J. Lesko (unassisted) 50:14

Shots
USCA –10
Clayton State – 20

Fouls
USCA – 19
Clayton State -- 10