PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – A second-half goal from
Acland Zhang proved to be the difference Wednesday night as Pace University Men's Soccer earned a 2-1 Northeast 10 Conference victory over RV American International College.
Theo Poehlmann opened the scoring in the first half before Zhang delivered the game-winner in the 63rd minute, helping the Setters secure an important conference victory at home.
Pace broke through in the 24th minute when Poehlmann found the back of the net to give the Blue and Gold a 1-0 advantage. The Setters continued creating opportunities, with
Ervin Radoncic striking the post and
Daniel Santos forcing a save just minutes later.
Zhang nearly doubled the lead in the 37th minute, but his attempt hit the woodwork. American International eventually answered at 42:57, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
After the break,
Emilio Hernandez-Araujo kept the Setters level with three saves in the opening 12 minutes of the second half.
The deciding moment came at 62:50 when Santos connected with Zhang, who finished the opportunity to restore Pace's lead at 2-1.
The Setters continued pressing forward, with
Thiago Lugo striking the post in the 86th minute. Pace was forced to finish with 10 players following a red card shortly afterward, but Hernandez-Araujo delivered another late save to preserve the victory.
Hernandez-Araujo finished with six saves across 90 minutes. Santos led the attack with three shots on goal and an assist, while Zhang recorded his goal on two attempts. Both teams finished with 14 shots, with the Setters earning five corners.
The Setters return to Northwell Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, to host Bentley University in Northeast 10 Conference action at 6:00 p.m.
