NEW HAVEN, CT. – Returning to Northeast 10 (NE10) Conference play, Pace University Men's Soccer engaged in a physical battle on Tuesday night, ultimately falling by a narrow 1-0 margin to Southern Connecticut State University. Despite a strong defensive showing, the Setters were undone by a second-half penalty kick that proved to be the difference, moving to 3-4 on the year.

The Setters generated some of the early action, highlighted by a strong shot on target from Daniel Santos in the 15th minute and a dangerous chance by Thomas Lyden that struck the woodwork just minutes later. Pace continued to push with three corner kicks in the opening half, while the back line of Adrian Izazaga, Pietro Carvalho, and Lucas Esquivel helped keep the match scoreless going into halftime.

The breakthrough for the hosts came in the 55th minute when Southern Connecticut was awarded and converted a penalty kick to take the lead. Despite the setback, Pace kept pressing forward, with substitutes Thiago Lugo, Aidan Morales, and Brandon Carchipulla adding pace and fresh legs in search of an equalizer.

However, despite strong efforts in the later minutes of the contest, the Blue and Gold fell short to the Owls, 1-0.

Pace Men's Soccer will return to Northwell Stadium on Saturday to host Saint Anselm College at 4:00 p.m. in its next NE10 contest.