PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – After 35 years away from the pitch, the Pace University men's soccer program returned in spectacular style on Thursday night, defeating Goldey-Beacom College, 6-1, at Northwell Stadium. The Setters wasted no time in showcasing their potential, striking early and often to secure a historic first win in the program's new era.

The historic first goal of the program's new era came in the 14th minute when Thiago Lugo finished a well-worked sequence, assisted by Braden Jacobs and Pietro Carvalho, to ignite the home crowd. Just five minutes later, Thomas Lyden doubled the lead after combining with Ervin Radoncic and Lucas Esquivel. Pace wasn't finished in the first half, and in the 30th minute, Jacobs found the net himself, slotting home a pass from Peter Magnuson III to make it 3-0 at halftime.

The Setters carried their momentum into the second half. Magnuson added a goal of his own in the 59th minute, finishing a feed from Lugo, before Daniel Santos struck less than a minute later off another pinpoint assist from Carvalho to push the lead to 5-0. Goldey-Beacom broke through in the 65th minute, but Pace responded late. With just under three minutes to play, Brandon Carchipulla capped the night's scoring, tucking away a pass from Alex Squillacioti for the program's sixth goal of the evening.

In net, Joe Zweben was steady in his debut, making four saves to secure the win. Defensively, the Setters' back line, anchored by Edward Vargas and Adrian Izazaga, held strong against 13 Lightning shots.

The emphatic victory not only secured Pace's first win of the 2025 season but also set the tone for a program that has been eagerly awaited for more than three decades. With a strong debut, the Setters showed that their return to the pitch has the makings of something special.

The Setters continue their season-opening homestand on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. when they welcome D'Youville University to Northwell Stadium.