PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Wednesday evening, Pace University Men's Soccer struck first against No. 17 Mercy University but ultimately fell 4-1 at Northwell Stadium. The Setters moved to 5-6-3 overall and remained 1-5-1 in Northeast 10 Conference play.
Acland Zhang gave the Blue and Gold an early advantage, finding the back of the net in the ninth minute to put Pace ahead 1-0.
Mercy responded in the 22nd minute to even the score, but the Setters continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half. Jaden Rose, Niall Rodgers and Ervin Radoncic each put shots on target, while Rodgers nearly restored Pace's lead in the 31st minute when his attempt struck the right post.
The teams entered halftime tied at 1-1 before Mercy took the lead in the 55th minute. The Mavericks added two more goals in the 76th and 79th minutes to secure the victory.
Zhang and Rodgers led Pace with two shots apiece, while Emilio Hernandez-Araujo and Joe Zweben combined for four saves in goal.
Mercy held a 21-8 advantage in shots, while both teams finished with three corner kicks.
The Setters return to Northeast 10 Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 17, when they travel to Rindge, N.H., to face Franklin Pierce University at 8:00 p.m.
